Doug Richard founded the business information company Library House.
Richard established Library House as a company providing information and analysis about high-growth businesses, investors and entrepreneurial activity. The venture reflected his interest in identifying and supporting emerging companies.
He became one of the original investors on the British version of Dragon's Den when the programme launched in 2005. His background differed from that of retail-focused investors because it centred strongly on technology, start-ups and business information.
Richard later became known for supporting entrepreneurship through education and public speaking. Library House is distinct from the British National Library or a public library; it was a commercial business-information venture.