David Richards (businessman)
David Richards | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 13 November 1970 |
| Nationality | British & American |
| Alma mater | |
| Known for | Founder & CEO WANdisco PLC |
| Spouse | Jane Richards |
| Children | Harry Richards, Poppy Richards |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | |
| Institutions | |
David James Richards is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur and technology executive. He currently serves as the co-founder and CEO of WANdisco, an Anglo-American software company specialising in distributed computing.[1]
Biography
He was born in Sheffield,[2] England in 1970, where his father worked in the steel industry. Graduating with a degree in computer science from the University of Huddersfield in 1992, he became an early member of the team at Druid Group.[3]
In the mid-1990s, Richards formed a SAP consulting company, which he sold in the late 1998 and moved to Silicon Valley. Raising $25m from venture capital, he founded business software company Insevo before creating Librados, which was acquired by Netmanage in 2004.[4]
WANdisco was incorporated in 2005 after a chance meeting between Richards and WANdisco chief scientist, Dr. Yeturu Aahlad. Richards recognized the potential of Aahlad's invention, and the two decided to create a company without the use of venture capital or angel investors.[5] In June 2012, the company was floated on the London Stock Exchange.[3]
Philanthropy
In 2017, Richards and his wife Jane donated stock valued at $1.5 million to create the charitable David and Jane Richards Family Foundation[6] to educate, empower and improve the lives of children.[7]
Richards cited frustration at the UK Government's efforts to teach computing skills to schoolchildren and consequently a lack of adequate skills in a future economy where artificial intelligence and automation are prevalent. He said "You can’t have all this money and hold on to it or buy a football team. There’s only so many houses you can live in. I think it’s better to do something good for the world."[8]
Awards and honours
Richards was awarded an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University (2017) in recognition of him being a champion of British technology and a passionate advocate of entrepreneurship.[9]
References
- ^ a b c d e "From Sheffield son to Silicon Valley multimillionaire". BBC News. London. 16 February 2014. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ Hurley, James (5 February 2012). "Steel City son David Richards stands out from Silicon crowd with a 'Made in Sheffield' twist". The Telegraph. London. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ a b "Happy to swim against the tide". Financial Times. London. 1 January 2013. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ "NetManage to acquire Librados". Silicon Valley Business Journal. Cupertino, CA. 22 September 2004. Retrieved 16 February 2014.
- ^ "Man of Steel". Director Magazine. London. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2014.
- ^ "Sheffield tech tycoon donates £1.1m for computer skills in schools". The Star. Sheffield. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ "Our Purpose". The David and Jane Richards Family Foundation. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- ^ "Sheffield-born tech tycoon provides boost for computer science in schools". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
- ^ "Inspirational figures set to receive honorary doctorates". Sheffield Hallam University Online. 20 October 2017. Retrieved 26 November 2017.
External links
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