Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson 

Sir Richard Branson is a trailblazing entrepreneur and philanthropist whose life embodies adventure, innovation, and an unrelenting pursuit of the extraordinary. Born on July 18, 1950, in Surrey, England, Branson overcame early struggles with dyslexia to become a dynamic leader and visionary. At just 16, he launched his first venture, *Student* magazine, showcasing his early passion for creativity and communication. From these humble beginnings, Branson grew to establish Virgin Group, a conglomerate that has since expanded into over 400 companies across industries like music, travel, health, and space exploration.

Branson’s journey is a testament to the power of bold thinking and resilience. He revolutionized the music industry with Virgin Records, signing groundbreaking artists like the Sex Pistols, and later disrupted air travel with Virgin Atlantic, introducing customer-focused innovations that set new industry standards. Never one to shy away from challenges, Branson has ventured into space exploration with Virgin Galactic, aspiring to make commercial space travel a reality. His philosophy of “screw it, let’s do it” reflects his willingness to embrace risks, pursue dreams, and redefine what is possible.

Beyond business, Branson is deeply committed to social and environmental causes. Through initiatives like The Elders and Ocean Unite, he works to address pressing global issues, including climate change and human rights. A believer in blending purpose with profit, Branson’s life inspires millions to dream big, stay curious, and use their passions to make the world a better place. With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering optimism, Sir Richard Branson remains one of the most influential and admired figures of our time.

Virgin Unite

In 2004 we founded the non-profit foundation Virgin Unite to unite people and entrepreneurial ideas to create opportunities for a better world. Since then, together with some great partners, we have inspired and incubated a number of wonderful collaborations – like The Elders, Ocean Unite, Carbon War Room (now merged with RMI), The B Team, Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator, Unite BVI, 100% Human at Work and The Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship – which have spurred much needed change in the world.

I now spend the majority of my time working with Virgin Unite to make a positive difference in the world. From supporting projects that I’m passionate about, such as being an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, drug policy reform and giving ex-offenders a second chance to using my voice and that of the Virgin Group to shine a spotlight on issues that I believe are unacceptable, such as climate change and the death penalty.

I am incredibly proud of what Virgin Unite has achieved and thank you for your continued support of Virgin Unite. I truly believe that working together we can turn challenges into opportunities, allowing us to always push boundaries to make business and the world better. As with all donations to Virgin Unite, your financial support goes a long way. Virgin Unite’s overheads are covered by myself and the Virgin Group, meaning that 100% of all donations received go directly to initiatives we create or support.

Virgin Group

The Virgin Group is a globally recognized conglomerate founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1970. The group began as a mail-order record retailer and has since expanded into a diverse array of industries, including music, travel, telecommunications, health, and space tourism. Virgin’s first major success was Virgin Records, a music label that signed prominent artists like the Sex Pistols and Culture Club. This venture laid the foundation for the brand’s expansive growth and iconic status.

Over the years, the Virgin Group has launched and managed over 400 companies worldwide. Key businesses include Virgin Atlantic, an airline known for its customer service and innovation, and Virgin Galactic, a pioneering space tourism company aimed at making space travel accessible to the public. Other notable ventures include Virgin Mobile, a telecom service, and Virgin Active, a chain of health clubs. The group’s business philosophy is characterized by a commitment to customer experience, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative approach to business .