Richard Farleigh
A self-confessed “deal junkie,” Richard has backed more than 70 small start-up
British companies in the past 12 years. Only 11 have failed. That’s a hit-rate of one-
in-four; way ahead of the one-in-ten score of the average venture capitalist.
Richard became a household name when he joined the panel of
entrepreneurs on BBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den.
What was your first business lesson? Any more advice for start-ups?
Name: Richard Farleigh
My first business training was working for a bank. Today’s climate is tough. And it’s toughest on
I was running a department very early on, small businesses, and one thing that’s more
Career Highlights:
I was a director, I had about 12 people working for important now than ever is cost control – trying
• Joined Bankers Trust Australia in Sydney,
me. It was its own profit centre, so everyone was to minimise spending, because risks are through
aged 23.
motivated to make it work – so it was probably my the roof right now. Search out customers very
• Hired to run a hedge fund in Bermuda.
earliest introduction to business. early on; increase your levels of confidence all the
• Founded IndexIT to fund series of ventures.
I probably learned to hussle when I played time. Just be aware of the risk, because it always
• Sold IndexIT for £20 million.
chess for money in Sydney. I always consider that comes back to cost.
• Invested in British technology companies.
my first lesson in business
• Former panellist on BBC’s Dragons’ Den.
How important is a good business plan?
You’re known for many successful Business plans are good. I like to see someone’s
investments. Why? done a business plan, because they’ve made an
I’m a deal junkie, I love the struggle for a small attempt to think about the business. I like the
company starting out. And there’s a lot of great exercise. But, for me as an investor, a business
“I like to see someone’s done
ideas out there. But, ultimately, it’s about good plan isn’t so vital, probably because I’ve never
execution. seen one actually achieved. Of all the business
a business plan, because
plans I’ve backed, I’ve never seen one hit – ever!
they’ve made an attempt to
What makes a successful business? And that’s extraordinary – so for me, I always take
The people behind it. I’ve seen many good them with a pinch of salt.
think about the business. “
products fail – it’s the people. And mostly what
they need is common sense. My advice is to start What makes a successful entrepreneur?
slowly and watch your costs, because the main A successful entrepreneur is not just someone
reason businesses fail is a lack of control of costs. who makes a success of a business, but someone
Cost control is probably the key. who has a lot of common sense. It’s a good
Hall 1 – 2.00-2.30 balance between imagination and calculation. You
Friday
also need to be able to go through the motions
Q&A with Richard Farleigh
and keep an open mind.
There are not too many nice guys in the cut-
throat world of big business. But Richard
Farleigh is the undisputed ‘Mr Nice’ of hit
BBC show Dragons’ Den. Learn from his
experiences as one of the world’s most
recognisable and affable businessmen.
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BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304




BUSINESS STARTUP In association with Visit us on Stand 310 and supported by Visit us on stand 304