Doug Richard was born on 6 May 1958 in Buffalo, New York, USA. He studied psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, later earning a law degree (JD) from UCLA and completing executive business education.

During the 1980s and 1990s, Richard founded and sold several technology companies in California, including Visual Software, which was acquired for millions. This success established him as a wealthy entrepreneur and investor.

He became widely known in the UK as one of the original investors on Dragons’ Den (BBC Two), appearing in the first two series from 2005.

After leaving the show, he focused on advising governments and supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives like School for Startups. He lives in the UK with his family and remains active in business mentoring.