Doug Richard

Doug Richard grabbed viewers' attention on the first two series of Dragons' Den with his straightforward, no-nonsense style. He made fewer investments than any other dragon.

Doug's own expertise lies in discovering and measuring innovation companies as they progress through the life cycle, from initial investment to purchase, partnering or public offering. He has over 20 years' experience developing and leading technology and software ventures, both in the US and the UK.

At one point in his career, he sold a small dynamic enterprise called Visual Software in return for shares in the parent company. He was then forced to watch as it went into a downturn. Doug decided to launch a reverse takeover, and took charge of the entire organisation with operations in 22 countries. He turned it around, fired the management board, restructured internal communications, made sure everyone was working towards the same goal and managed to ensure the company survived even when the IT bubble burst.

Doug Richard sees Britain as very different to continental Europe and much more conducive to business innovation. In 2006 he received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for his work promoting, developing and helping entrepreneurs. He is the first American to receive the honour.

Doug is unusually well placed to see opportunities from three different perspectives: as an entrepreneur, a CEO and as an investor. As a speaker, he brings a wry humour and a checklist for anyone who thinks they have come up with the best idea since sliced bread. The first question is not 'what's it for?', but 'what's the benefit?'

JLA Client Comments

'Doug was fantastic, we were all delighted.' Enterprise Ireland