Richard Branson Biography Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson born 18 July 1950 is a British business magnate best known for co-founding the Virgin Group in 1970. As of 2016, he controlled five companies from a once expansive portfolio of over 400. Branson’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, and he quickly established himself as one of the most influential figures in business.
Richard Branson Biography 2024
Richard Branson was born on 18 July 1950 in Blackheath, London, England, UK. In addition to his career as a business magnate, he has also appeared as a producer and actor in films such as Superman Returns (2006), Around the World in 80 Days (2004), and Electric Dreams (1984). Branson has been married to Joan Branson since 20 December 1989. Together, they have three children. Prior to his marriage to Joan, he was married to Kristen Tomassi.
Richard Branson Biography 2024 Details
| Born | Richard Charles Nicholas Branson 18 July 1950 (age 74) Blackheath, London, England |
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| Years active | 1966–present |
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| Known for | Founder of the Virgin Group |
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| Spouses | |
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| Children | 3 |
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| Mother | Eve Branson |
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| Relatives | - G. A. H. Branson (grandfather)
- Vanessa Branson (sister)
- Isabella Calthorpe (daughter-in-law)
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| Category | Singers Bio |
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Richard Branson Latest News
Richard Branson is returning to his ballooning roots. The Virgin Galactic founder, who made record-breaking hot-air balloon flights across the Atlantic in 1987 and the Pacific in 1991, will soon be back in the skies. Branson is set to serve as co-pilot on the first crewed flight by Space Perspective, a Florida-based company specializing in stratospheric ballooning. This historic mission is expected to take place sometime in 2025.
In a statement released on October 17, Branson expressed his excitement about the upcoming flight: “Some of the most magnificent experiences of my life have happened on ballooning expeditions, and I’m excited to support Space Perspective in its journey,” he said. “I look forward to dusting off my old ballooning license ahead of some magnificent test flights.” This new adventure marks another milestone in Branson’s long history of aviation and exploration, adding to his well-known legacy of space tourism with Virgin Galactic.
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About Richard Branson
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate who co-founded the Virgin Group in 1970, and as of 2016 controlled 5 companies remaining of once more than 400. Branson expressed his desire to become an entrepreneur at a young age.
- Born: 18 July 1950 (age 74 years), Blackheath, London, United Kingdom
- Space missions: Virgin Galactic Unity 22
- Net worth: 260 crores USD (2024) Forbes
- Spouse: Joan Templeman (m. 1989), Kristen Tomassi (m. 1972–1979)
- Organizations founded: Virgin Group, Virgin Atlantic · See more
- Children: Holly Branson, Sam Branson, Clare Sarah Branson
Early Business Ventures
Branson’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early; at just 16, he launched his first business venture, a magazine called Student. In 1970, he expanded into the music industry with a mail-order record business. He later opened a chain of record stores, Virgin Records, in 1972. This marked the beginning of the Virgin brand, which grew rapidly through the 1980s, with Branson launching Virgin Atlantic airline and Virgin Records becoming one of the most successful music labels of the era.
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Expansion into New Industries
In 1997, Branson entered the transportation sector by founding Virgin Rail Group, which successfully bid for British Rail franchises during the privatization of British Rail. Virgin Trains operated key franchises, including the West Coast, CrossCountry, and East Coast services. In 2004, Branson made his mark in the aerospace industry with the launch of Virgin Galactic, a company focused on commercial space travel. Virgin Galactic aims to make space tourism a reality, with the SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane designed for civilian space flights.
Personal Recognition and Space Flight
Branson’s entrepreneurial achievements earned him a knighthood in March 2000 at Buckingham Palace for “services to entrepreneurship.” He was named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2007. In 2021, at the age of 70, Branson made headlines when he became the third-oldest person to fly to space. He traveled aboard Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 spacecraft, reaching a peak altitude of 53.5 miles (86.1 km) in a suborbital test flight. The flight marked a significant milestone for his space company.
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Richard Branson Personal Life and Background
Born in Blackheath, London, Branson is the son of Edward James Branson, a barrister, and Evette Huntley Branson, a former ballet dancer and air hostess. He has two younger sisters, Lindy and Vanessa. Branson’s family has historical ties to India, with his great-great-great-grandfather emigrating there in the late 18th century. DNA testing later revealed that Branson has 3.9% South Asian ancestry.
Branson attended several schools, including Scaitcliffe School and Stowe School, but struggled with academics due to his dyslexia and ADHD. He famously did not excel in school, with his headmaster once predicting that he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire. Branson’s parents were highly supportive of his entrepreneurial pursuits. His mother, in particular, was an entrepreneur herself, finding success with various ventures, including the construction and sale of wooden tissue boxes and wastepaper bins.
Personal Beliefs and Views
Branson is an atheist and has spoken openly about his disbelief in God. In a 2011 interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan, he expressed his belief in evolution and humanitarian efforts but stated that he found comfort in the idea of believing in a higher power, even though he didn’t.
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Richard Branson Net Worth
Forbes estimated Richard Branson’s net worth at $3 billion, reflecting his diverse and successful ventures in industries ranging from music to space exploration.
Legacy
Branson’s rise from a young entrepreneur with dyslexia and ADHD to a global business icon is a testament to his perseverance and innovative spirit. His work in retail, transport, music, and space has not only made him a billionaire but also an influential public figure known for his adventurous personality and humanitarian efforts.
