Doug Richard founded the business education company School for Startups and became an original Dragon's Den investor.
School for Startups was created to provide education and support for entrepreneurs, with courses and guidance focused on starting and developing businesses. Richard’s involvement reflected his background in technology entrepreneurship and his interest in helping founders understand practical business decisions.
Richard was one of the original five investors on the first UK series of Dragon's Den. He was born in the United States and had previously founded technology companies, including the software business JustAddCommerce. His analytical style made market size, customer demand and financial assumptions central themes in his questioning.
School for Startups should not be confused with Richard’s investment activity on television. The organisation was his own education venture, whereas his role on Dragon's Den involved considering pitches from other entrepreneurs. Richard later left the regular panel as the cast changed.