Former BBC Dragon. Launcher of 100+ startups. Sharing what I’ve learned about building companies, strategy, and economics.
Then continue:
I’m Richard Farleigh, an investor and entrepreneur with a track record of backing over 100 innovative startups.
From my early days as a central banker and derivatives designer to managing macro funds, I’ve spent decades working at the intersection of finance, strategy, and innovation.
Along the way I’ve written three books, been a columnist for CityAM, competed as a Chess Olympian, and served as Chancellor of a UK university.
My journey began in the care system, and overcoming those early challenges shaped much of how I think about resilience and opportunity.
On this channel I share insights on business, strategy, investing, and the mindset needed to succeed.
I also write free commentary on Substack - see links
Richard Farleigh
I was astounded to find out a business ratio when I chatted to Sabrina Chevannes-Denman recently. Spend on direct marketing for some businesses generates a more than 40 times return. Email kills Instagram. I was so surprised I needed to verify it afterwards. I wrote about this and some other business strategies this week.
open.substack.com/pub/richardfarleigh/p/the-no-non…
4 days ago | [YT] | 6
View 0 replies
Richard Farleigh
Had an idea and I’ve written an article on how to find a business idea. I’ve tried that idea a few times and some worked, others didn’t, but the concept is valid. open.substack.com/pub/richardfarleigh/p/start-a-bu…
1 week ago | [YT] | 19
View 2 replies
Richard Farleigh
I recently sat down with Anya Hindmarch on The Business Of...
From building a global brand from scratch to redefining what modern entrepreneurship looks like, Anya’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, optimism and grit.
We unpacked the 7 lessons that changed how I see business, from the optimism bias to the power of tenacity (and why entrepreneurs might just be “ridiculous idiots”).
Swipe through ➡️ and tell me which lesson you’re doubling down on this month. 💬
Watch the FULL conversation on YouTube or listen on the podcast - https://youtu.be/qAg1cN3FVLc
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 6
View 0 replies
Richard Farleigh
Just posted on Substack about an amazing conversation I had 20 years ago – it was when I was a Dragon on Dragons’ Den and talking to the founder of Trunki. He was humiliated on the den but became a multimillionaire.
Read it here open.substack.com/pub/richardfarleigh/p/the-most-r…
1 month ago (edited) | [YT] | 6
View 1 reply
Richard Farleigh
I recently sat down with Akash Mehta on The Boardroom Podcast.
From engineering ➝busking ➝ building Fable and Mane, Akash’s journey is anything but linear.
We break down the key lessons, mindset shifts, and moments that stood out from our conversation.
Swipe through ➡️ and let me know which insight resonated most. 👇
Watch the FULL interview on my YouTube channel here ➡️ lnkd.in/efsJJAHQ
1 month ago | [YT] | 4
View 0 replies