Richard Branson

Richard Branson, or Sir Richard Branson, is a legend in the business world. He is easily the most eccentric and outgoing billionaires in the world. He is the head of Virgin Group, a multinational conglomerate with scores of entities under its control. Like many billionaires, he started with a little bit of money, some confidence and motivation, and an idea. The first step he took in the business world was opening a record shop and label with his friend, which they named 'Virgin Records.' The idea behind the unusual name was from Branson believing that they were both 'virgins' to business. The company bought an estate in Oxford and set up a studio. The two of them leased out time to local artists and such, and looked for young, aspiring artists. They often picked controversial bands that other companies hesitated on contracting with. Soon, Virgin Records gained popularity, and the company was able to expand. Branson then bought nightclubs, and bid on several small companies to add to his soon to be conglomerate. In 1984, he started Virgin Atlantic Airways for reasons he later explained as: "I wanted a challenge, something seemingly impossible." Since, he has founded Virgin Mobile, a mobile phone provider, Virgin Media and his newest creation, virgin Galactic. Virgin Galactic is his plan for a company that will take paying passengers to space. Through the years, in addition to creating companies, he has aquired companies to add to Virgin Group, and sold companies, such as Virgin Mobile and Virgin Records. He has dabbled in nearly every industry, making him one of the most successful and legendary entrepreneurs on Earth.