Richard Farleigh

About

Richard Farleigh

Richard Farleigh is one of the UK’s most renowned angel investors and serial entrepreneurs.

Despite being born into an impoverished family who lived in a tent in the Australian outback, Richard managed to overcome all odds and forge himself a hugely successful career in finance. At the age of just 34, he was considered one of the highest-paid hedge fund managers in the world and had earned enough money to retire to Monaco. Here, he invested his time in writing his book ‘Taming the Lion’, which became an instant success.

However, after two years, the pull of investing proved too strong and Richard decided to, again, enter the world of business, concentrating on the UK tech industry. Whilst pursuing this investment activity, another unique opportunity presented itself – Home House – and Richard turned the then endangered architectural masterpiece into one of London’s most sought-after venues.

Now based in London, Richard is perhaps best known for appearing on the the BBC series Dragons Den and was considered one of the most popular panellists or ‘Dragons’ during his time on the show. One of the most successful investments from the Den was Levi Roots’ ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’, which was backed by Richard and Peter Jones. Richard sold his stake in the business for a ten-times return about a year later.

Richard has invested in more than 80 start-ups in the UK, of which a substantial amount have become their own success stories. With names such as IndexIT and Net-A-Porter and Chez Amour within his portfolio, he has achieved tremendous success throughout his career.

As well as investing in private businesses he is also a Chancellor of the London South Bank University, has backed a range of research conducted at the Oxford University and is a chess master, having competed in two Olympic events.

Richard is an engaging public speaker with a very casual, humorous style and is able to motivate and inspire audiences with his business experience and expertise.