Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (b.1950) is a flamboyant British entrepreneur, adventurer, and philanthropist. He is the founder of the Virgin Group, the second-largest private company in the United Kingdom. He established Virgin Records in 1969 and Virgin Atlantic Airways in 1984.
Born in Blackheath, London, Branson was educated at the exclusive Stowe School in Buckinghamshire. He did not do well, possibly as a result of his nearsightedness and dyslexia. After leaving school at age 16, he set up Student magazine with one of his friends. He soon entered the music industry, started a mail-order catalog, opened a discount record shop, and launched Virgin Records.
As the founder of the Virgin Group, Branson also started Virgin Airlines, Virgin Rail, a mobile phone network, and an internet company. Not every new Branson venture has been a success—his failed enterprises include Virgin Clothes, Virgin Vie, Virgin Vision, Virgin Vodka, Virgin Wine, Virgin Jeans, Virgin Brides, Virgin Cosmetics, and Virgin Cars.
Branson is also well known for his adventures. He also made the fastest transatlantic crossing by boat in 1986 and the first by hot-air balloon in 1987.
Branson’s bestselling autobiographies Finding My Virginity (2017,) Losing My Virginity (2011,) and Screw It, Let’s Do It (2006) discuss his journey as an entrepreneur and the enduring power of the Virgin brand.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Richard Branson
When people screw up, give them a second chance.
—Richard Branson
Topics: Forgiveness, Acceptance
Irreverence ran on both sides of our family… my parents brought me up to think we could all change the world.
—Richard Branson
Topics: Parents, Family, Rent, Change
It’s easy to become a millionaire—start out as a billionaire, and then buy an airline.
—Richard Branson
To me business isn’t about wearing suits or pleasing stockholders. It’s about being true to yourself, your ideas and focusing on the essentials.
—Richard Branson
What’s the quickest way to become a millionaire?. Borrow fivers off everyone you meet.
—Richard Branson
Topics: Money
I’ll fight tooth and nail to make something succeed. But the moment I realize it’s not going to succeed, the next day, I will have forgotten about it. I will just move on to the next venture.
—Richard Branson
I never get the accountants in before I start up a business. It’s done on gut feeling, especially if I can see that they are taking the mickey out of the consumer.
—Richard Branson
Most “necessary evils” are far more evil than necessary.
—Richard Branson
Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.
—Richard Branson
Topics: Business, Opportunity, Entrepreneurs
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