Richard is an Australian private investor and a member of the Business Review Weekly Rich 200 list–a list of the 200 wealthiest Australian individuals. He has become a well-known media personality in his own right from his appearances on Dragon’d Den. In 2012, he took on the symbolic role as Chancellor of London South Bank University. After attending Narwee Boys High he won a scholarship to read economics at the University of New South Wales.
After cutting his teeth at Australia’s central bank, managing a derivatives desk, a proprietary trading desk and a hedge fund, from the mid nineties has operated as a “business angel”, backing more early-stage companies than anyone else in the United Kingdom. Many of these more than 75 unquoted companies have successfully floated on the market or have been acquired. Highlights include Home House, Net-a-Porter and Reggae Reggae Sauce. His appearances on Dragons’ Den earned him the moniker “Mr. Nice” as he became reportedly its most popular panelist ever, offering constructive advice and the many offers for investment. His book Taming the Lion, written without a ghostwriter, has received over 50 favorable media reviews, and been released in many languages worldwide. Richard is also a Chess Master and has competed at two Chess Olympics.
He has written a book named “Confessions of a Serial Entrepreneur”, and excerpts are being printed in City A.M. as well as on his website.
Several companies Richard Farleigh invested in include: ARC Cores, ClearSpeed and Spectral Fusion.
In 2010, Richard launched advisory firm H2O Markets.
Richard is able to speak on a number of subjects: business stories, investment strategy from his book, or simply motivational about his life. His style is light-hearted and humorous, with a number of insights thrown in.