Richard Branson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Richard Branson
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Branson in 2015
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Richard Charles Nicholas Branson
18 July 1950 London, England
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| Years active | 1966–present |
| Known for | Founder of the Virgin Group |
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Kristen Tomassi
(m. 1972; div. 1979)Joan Templeman
(m. 1989) |
| Children | 3 (1 deceased) |
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Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson (born 18 July 1950) is a British business magnate and commercial astronaut. He is famous for founding the Virgin Group in the 1970s. Today, this group controls over 400 companies in many different areas.
Richard Branson showed a strong desire to start businesses from a young age. At 16, he launched his first project, a magazine called Student. In 1970, he began a mail-order record business. He then opened a chain of music stores, Virgin Records, which later became Virgin Megastores in 1972. The Virgin brand grew quickly in the 1980s. He started the Virgin Atlantic airline and expanded the Virgin Records music label. In 1997, Branson created the Virgin Rail Group to run passenger train services in Britain. Virgin Trains operated several major routes from 1997 to 2019. In 2004, he founded Virgin Galactic, a company focused on space tourism with its SpaceShipTwo suborbital spaceplane.
In March 2000, Branson was made a knight at Buckingham Palace for his work in business. He is known worldwide for his businesses in retail, music, and transport (including land, air, sea, and space travel). He is also famous for his love of adventure and his work helping others. In 2007, Time magazine listed him as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. In June 2023, Forbes estimated his wealth to be about US$3 billion.
On 11 July 2021, Branson flew as a passenger on Virgin Galactic Unity 22. This was a test flight for his space company, Virgin Galactic, reaching the edge of space. The trip lasted about one hour, reaching a height of 53.5 miles (86 km). At 70 years old, Branson became the third oldest person to fly into space.
Contents
Richard Branson's Early Life
Branson was born in Blackheath, London. His mother, Eve Branson, was a ballet dancer and air hostess. His father, Edward James Branson, was a barrister. Richard has two younger sisters, Lindy and Vanessa Branson. His grandfather, Sir George Arthur Harwin Branson, was a judge.
Richard went to Scaitcliffe School, a prep school in Surrey. He then briefly attended Cliff View House School in Sussex. He studied at Stowe School, an independent school in Buckinghamshire, until he was sixteen.
Branson has dyslexia, which meant he struggled with schoolwork. On his last day at school, his headmaster told him he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire! Branson has also openly shared that he has ADHD. His parents always supported his ideas from a young age. His mother was also an entrepreneur; she successfully made and sold wooden tissue boxes.
Richard's First Businesses
After trying and failing to grow and sell Christmas trees and budgerigars, Branson launched a magazine called Student in 1966 with his friend Nik Powell. The first issue came out in January 1968. The magazine's office was in the crypt of St. John's Church in London.
Even though the magazine wasn't as successful as he hoped at first, it became very important for the mail-order record business he started from the same church. Branson used the magazine to advertise popular albums, which helped him sell more records. He interviewed famous people like Mick Jagger for the magazine.
His record business sold records for much less than other stores. Branson once said, "There is no point in starting your own business unless you do it out of a sense of frustration." He later opened a record shop on Oxford Street in London.
The Virgin Group: Richard's Big Businesses
Starting Virgin Records (1972–1980)
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In 1972, using money from his record store, Branson started the record label Virgin Records with Nik Powell. The name "Virgin" was suggested because everyone working there was new to business. Branson bought a country estate near Oxford and built a recording studio there called The Manor Studio. He let new artists use the studio. Mike Oldfield's first album, Tubular Bells (1973), was the first release for Virgin Records and became a huge hit.
Virgin Records signed bands that other companies were afraid to sign, like the Sex Pistols. Virgin also signed other famous artists such as the Rolling Stones, Peter Gabriel, UB40, and Culture Club. It became the world's largest independent record label. By 1979, Branson's wealth was estimated at £5 million, and a year later, Virgin Records became an international company.
Virgin Atlantic and Holidays (1981–1987)
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Branson's first idea for an airline came during a trip to Puerto Rico. His flight was cancelled, so he decided to charter his own plane. He offered seats to other stranded passengers for a small fee to cover his costs.
In 1984, Branson officially started Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Cargo. He also formed Virgin Holidays in 1985, offering package vacations.
Virgin's Global Expansion (1988–2000)
In 1992, Branson had to sell Virgin Records to EMI for £500 million to keep his airline company going. He said he cried when the sale was finished because the record business was the start of the Virgin empire. He later started V2 Records in 1996 to get back into the music business. Virgin also bought a European airline and renamed it Virgin Express. In 1997, Branson took a big risk by entering the railway business. Virgin Rail Group won contracts to run the InterCity CrossCountry and InterCity West Coast train lines.
In the early 1990s, Virgin Atlantic had some disagreements with British Airways. Virgin accused British Airways of trying to steal its passengers and spreading negative stories. British Airways later settled the case, paying money to Branson and his airline. Branson shared his compensation with his staff.
Branson launched Virgin Mobile in 1999 and the airline Virgin Blue in Australia in 2000.
Space Travel and Virgin Media (2001–2007)
On 25 September 2004, Branson announced a deal for a new space tourism company, Virgin Galactic. This company would use technology from SpaceShipOne to take paying passengers into suborbital outer space. Virgin Galactic plans to offer flights to the public. The spacecraft, SpaceShipTwo, is built by The Spaceship Company, which Branson co-founded. In 2013, Branson said he planned to take his two children, Holly and Sam, on a trip to outer space on the first public flight of SpaceShipTwo.
Branson has said that his interest in life comes from "setting myself huge, apparently unachievable challenges and trying to rise above them."
In 2006, Virgin Atlantic merged with SN Brussels Airlines to form Brussels Airlines. Virgin also started an airline in Nigeria called Virgin Nigeria, which stopped flying in 2009. Another airline, Virgin America, began flying from San Francisco International Airport in August 2007.
Branson's next big project was Virgin Fuels, created to help with global warming and high fuel costs. He wanted to find new, cheaper, and environmentally friendly fuels for cars and planes. Branson said he was influenced to do this by a meeting with Al Gore. On 21 September 2006, Branson promised to invest all profits from Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains into research for eco-friendly fuels. This investment is estimated to be worth $3 billion.
On 4 July 2006, Branson sold his Virgin Mobile company. A new company, Virgin Media, was launched on 8 February 2007. Branson gets paid for the use of the Virgin brand name but does not own Virgin Media.
On 9 February 2007, Branson announced a new global science and technology prize called The Virgin Earth Challenge. This prize would award $25 million to anyone who could show a way to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere for at least ten years without causing harm. Branson hoped this prize would encourage new technologies to help Earth's climate.
In August 2007, Branson announced he had bought a 20% share in Malaysia's AirAsia X. In October 2007, Branson's Virgin Group tried to buy the bank Northern Rock and rename it Virgin Money.
Hotels, Healthcare, and Charity (2008–2019)
On 9 January 2008, Virgin Healthcare announced it would open a chain of health clinics. These clinics would offer regular medical care along with other therapies.
In February 2009, Branson's Virgin organization was interested in buying the former Honda Formula One racing team. Branson later invested in the Brawn GP team, which was renamed Virgin Racing.
In 2010, Virgin Hotels was launched under the Virgin Group. In February 2018, Branson announced the first Virgin hotel in the UK would open in Edinburgh.
Branson and Tony Fernandes, owner of Air Asia, made a fun bet for the 2010 F1 season. The boss of the losing team had to work as a flight attendant on the winner's airline. Branson lost and kept his word, serving as a stewardess on an Air Asia flight on 12 May 2013.
In April 2012, Virgin Care began a five-year contract to provide health services in the UK. By March 2015, Virgin Care was running over 230 services across the country.
In July 2012, Branson announced plans to build an orbital space launch system called LauncherOne. This system would launch small satellites into space.
In August 2012, Virgin Rail lost the contract for the InterCity West Coast train line. Branson felt there were "significant technical flaws" in the bidding process, and the deal was later cancelled. Virgin Rail continued to operate the line until 7 December 2019.
In September 2014, Branson announced his investment in the drone company 3D Robotics. He said, "It's amazing to see what a little flying object with a GoPro attached can do." He was excited about how drones could help people see the world from a new perspective.
In 2014, Branson launched the "Foodpreneur" competition for new food and drink businesses. Winners received advice from Branson and other support.
In March 2015, Virgin Trains East Coast started running the InterCity East Coast train line. However, the line did not perform as well as expected, and the contract was ended early in May 2018.
In 2017, Virgin Group invested in Hyperloop One, a company developing super-fast transportation. Branson joined their board of directors and became chairman in December 2017.
In October 2017, Branson appeared on the TV show Shark Tank as a guest investor. He invested in Locker Board, a company making sustainable skateboards.
In April 2018, Branson announced that he bought the Las Vegas Hard Rock Casino-Hotel. He planned to rename it under his Virgin Hotels business. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas opened on 25 March 2021.
In September 2018, Branson took part in his fourth Virgin Strive Challenge. He and his team traveled over 2,000 km from Sardinia to the top of Mont Blanc using only human and sail power. They hiked, biked, and kayaked across Europe, raising over £1 million for his children's charity, Big Change, which helps young people.
In February 2019, Branson helped organize Venezuela Aid Live, a concert to raise money and awareness for the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
Recent Years (2020–present)
In March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, international air travel dropped sharply. Branson and Virgin faced criticism for asking staff to take unpaid leave. To help Virgin Atlantic survive, Branson used his luxury Necker Island as security for a loan. He said, "Over the five decades I have been in business, this is the most challenging time we have ever faced." On 5 May 2020, it was announced that the airline would lay off 3000 staff and reduce its fleet.
On 11 July 2021, Richard Branson flew to the edge of space (86 kilometers or 53 miles) on a Virgin Galactic spacecraft called VSS Unity. This made him the first billionaire founder of a space company to travel to space.
Business Challenges
Branson has also been involved in some businesses that didn't succeed, like Virgin Cola, Virgin Cars, and Virgin Brides. However, Branson sees failure in a positive way. He has written: "I suppose the secret to bouncing back is not only to be unafraid of failures but to use them as motivational and learning tools... There's nothing wrong with making mistakes as long as you don't make the same ones over and over again."
World Record Adventures
Richard Branson has made several attempts to break world records. In 1985, he tried to make the fastest Atlantic Ocean crossing by ship. His first attempt failed when his boat, Virgin Atlantic Challenger, capsized. In 1986, in his Virgin Atlantic Challenger II, he successfully broke the record. A year later, his hot air balloon Virgin Atlantic Flyer crossed the Atlantic.
In January 1991, Branson crossed the Pacific Ocean from Japan to Arctic Canada in a balloon. This journey of 6,700 miles (10,800 km) broke the record, with a speed of 145 mph (233 km/h).
Between 1995 and 1998, Branson and his team tried to fly around the world in a balloon. They made a record-breaking flight from Morocco to Hawaii in late 1998. However, they were unable to complete a full global flight before another team did in March 1999.
In March 2004, Branson set a record by traveling from Dover to Calais in an amphibious vehicle called a Gibbs Aquada. He made the crossing in 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 6 seconds, which was the fastest ever for such a vehicle.
Television, Film, and Books
Branson has appeared as himself in many TV shows, including Friends, Baywatch, and Only Fools and Horses. He was also the star of a reality TV show on Fox called The Rebel Billionaire: Branson's Quest for the Best (2004).
He has made cameo appearances in several films. These include Around the World in 80 Days (2004), where he played a hot-air balloon operator. He also appeared in Superman Returns (2006) and the James Bond film Casino Royale (2006).
Branson is a big fan of Star Trek. He named his new spaceship VSS Enterprise after the Star Trek spaceships.
In August 2007, Branson announced on The Colbert Report that he had named a new aircraft Air Colbert. He later had a fun water fight with the show's host, Stephen Colbert.
In July 2010, Branson narrated Australian sailor Jessica Watson's documentary about her solo sailing trip around the world.
In 1998, Branson released his autobiography, Losing My Virginity, which became a worldwide best-seller.
Helping Others
In 2007, Richard Branson and musician Peter Gabriel worked with Nelson Mandela to create a group called The Elders. This group of world leaders aims to solve difficult global conflicts.
In 1999, Branson became a founding sponsor of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC). This organization helps find missing children and works to stop child exploitation. His mother, Eve, was also a founding member of ICMEC's board.
Through the Carbon War Room, founded in 2009, Branson looked for ways to fight global warming and the energy crisis. He believes that business leaders can help develop new technologies for a cleaner economy. He has focused on finding sustainable solutions for shipping, energy efficiency, and aviation fuels.
He also launched Virgin Startup, which provides loans and support to young entrepreneurs in the UK.
Branson's work in South Africa includes the Branson School of Entrepreneurship. This school was set up in 2005 to help improve economic growth by supporting new businesses with skills, mentors, and funding.
In March 2008, Branson hosted a meeting about the environment on his private Necker Island. Many business leaders, celebrities, and world leaders attended to discuss global warming.
On 8 May 2009, Branson joined a hunger strike for three days. This was to protest the Sudanese government's actions against aid groups in the Darfur region. In 2010, he helped found Enterprise Zimbabwe.
Branson supports the Global Zero campaign, which aims to eliminate all nuclear weapons worldwide. He has also served as a Commissioner on the Broadband Commission for Digital Development, a UN initiative promoting access to internet services.
In December 2013, Branson encouraged companies to avoid doing business in Uganda because of its "anti-homosexuality bill." He stated that it would be "against my conscience to support this country."
In 2014, Branson joined the "Say No" Campaign with the African Wildlife Foundation. This campaign raises awareness about wildlife poaching and illegal animal trade.
Branson is against the death penalty, saying it is "always cruel, barbaric and inhumane."
In October 2018, Branson spoke out about the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. He suspended his advisory role from a tourism project in Saudi Arabia.
On 1 December 2020, Virgin Orbit launched The Patti Grace Smith Fellowship. This program offers paid work experience and mentorship in the aerospace industry for Black students.
On 10 April 2023, Richard Branson became an ambassador for the United24 fundraising platform, which supports Ukraine.
Climate Change Efforts
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In 2006, Branson made a big promise to invest $3 billion to fight global warming over the next ten years.
The B Team
Branson is a co-founder of The B Team. This is a global non-profit organization started in 2013 by business leaders. They want to use their influence to create positive change and promote sustainable business practices. The B Team focuses on climate action, human rights, and fair tax practices. They also support equality and diversity in the workplace.
Richard Branson and Politics
In the 1980s, Margaret Thatcher briefly appointed Branson as "litter Tsar" to help keep Britain tidy. Branson has said there are only small differences between the main political parties on money matters. He was considered as a candidate for Mayor of London before the first election in 2000, but he was not interested.
Branson supported Britain staying in the European Union and was against the 2016 referendum to leave. After the vote, he said his company lost a lot of value. He also supported the idea of a second referendum. Branson supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 US presidential election.
Awards and Recognition
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- In 1992, Branson received the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement.
- In 1993, he was given an honorary degree from Loughborough University.
- In 2000, Elizabeth II decided to make him a Knight Bachelor for his "services to entrepreneurship."
- He was knighted by Charles, Prince of Wales on 30 March 2000 at Buckingham Palace.
- Also in 2000, Branson received the Tony Jannus Award for his achievements in commercial air travel.
- In 2000, Branson was added to the International Air & Space Hall of Fame.
- Branson was ranked among the 100 Greatest Britons in 2002 by the BBC.
- In 2007, Time magazine included him in its list of the 100 Most Influential People in The World.
- On 7 December 2007, Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary General, gave Branson the Citizen of the World Award for his support of environmental and humanitarian causes.
- On 24 January 2011, Branson received the German Media Prize.
- On 14 November 2011, Branson was given the ISTA Prize for his pioneering work in developing suborbital transport systems with Virgin Galactic.
- On 11 February 2012, Branson received the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences' President's Merit Award for his contributions to the music industry.
- On 2 June 2013, he received an honorary degree from Kaunas Technology University in Lithuania.
- On 15 May 2014, Branson received the 2014 Business for Peace Award in Oslo, Norway.
- On 21 September 2014, The Sunday Times recognized Branson as the most admired business person of the last five decades.
- On 9 October 2014, he was named the No. 1 LGBT ally by the OUTstanding organization.
- In October 2015, Branson received the International Crisis Group Chairman's Award.
- On 16 October 2018, Branson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for co-founding Virgin Records.
Personal Life
Branson married Kristen Tomassi in 1972, and they divorced in 1979. He later met Joan Templeman in 1976. They had three children: Clare Sarah (who sadly died four days after birth), Holly (born 1981), and Sam (born 1985). Branson and Templeman married on Necker Island in 1989.
In 2017, Branson's home on Necker Island was badly damaged by Hurricane Irma. It was the second time the house had been severely hit, after a lightning strike caused a fire during Hurricane Irene in 2011. Branson's mother, Eve, passed away from COVID-19 complications in January 2021 at 96 years old.
In 2007, Branson became a minister to perform an on-flight wedding as a marketing event for Virgin America airline.
Branson enjoys kitesurfing and has set two world records in the sport. He was the oldest person to kitesurf across the English Channel. In 2014, he broke the Guinness World Record for the most people riding a surfboard by kiting with three women attached to him. He also loves cycling. In August 2016, he was injured while riding his bicycle in the British Virgin Islands, resulting in torn ligaments and a cracked cheek.
Influences
Branson has often said that he is influenced by non-fiction books. He frequently mentions Nelson Mandela's autobiography, Long Walk to Freedom. He explained that Mandela was "one of the most inspiring men I have ever met." Because of his interest in helping people and the environment, Branson also likes Al Gore's book, An Inconvenient Truth, and The Revenge of Gaia by James Lovelock. In his own book, Screw It, Let's Do It: Lessons in Life, he also mentions Wild Swans by Jung Chang. Branson has long admired the character Peter Pan. In 2006, he founded Virgin Comics LLC, hoping to give "a whole generation of young, creative thinkers a voice."
Images for kids
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Richard Branson's signature
