Richard Branson to venture into space once again — will surpass fellow billionaires in space race

Billionaire entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson is set to go back to space as part of yet another ambitious venture. Branson will co-pilot a hydrogen “space balloon," called Spaceship Neptune which will take him and seven others 20 miles above Earth. The balloon is designed by the Florida-based company, Space Perspective, which is backed by Branson and a single seat on the luxury space tourism cabin will cost passengers a whopping  $125,000.  

This will be the second space trip for Branson as he previously ventured into the upper atmosphere back in 2021. Branson won the billionaire space race by traveling in a self-funded rocket, Virgin Galactic’s VSS Eve, 53 miles above the Earth, as per the New York Post.

Richard Branson amassed wealth through a diverse array of business ventures, primarily rooted in the Virgin Group which he established in 1970. With over 400 companies under its umbrella, the Virgin Group has ventured into industries ranging from music to airlines, telecommunications, finance, and more. Virgin Records, founded in 1972, catapulted Branson into the music industry's limelight by signing iconic artists such as the Rolling Stones and Sex Pistols.

He also invested in hotels, health clubs, space travel, and green energy. Branson became a billionaire in 1991 and stayed one, though his wealth fluctuated at times.

One of Richard Branson's most notable achievements was the establishment of Virgin Airways in the 1980s, revolutionizing commercial air travel and contributing significantly to his rise as a prominent figure. Over the years, he expanded his business empire into sectors like hotels, health clubs, space travel, and renewable energy. His purchase of Necker Island in the Caribbean for $180,000 in 1979, followed by a $10 million transformation into a luxury resort, showcases his knack for turning opportunities into successful ventures.

While Richard Branson's net worth had experienced fluctuations in the past, the recent sharp drop can be attributed to the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the industries that Virgin heavily relies on. Leisure industries, in particular, faced substantial setbacks due to travel restrictions and reduced consumer spending. Virgin Orbit, a subsidiary responsible for satellite launches, faced a setback in early 2023 when a launch failed, leading to the company's bankruptcy filing and a subsequent layoff of 85% of its staff.

Since Branson has transformed various industries through his ventures and innovations, it's no surprise that he commands a large net worth. 

 As of 2025, Richard Branson's net worth is estimated to be $2.5 billion, as per Forbes. This comes after a staggering drop of  42.6% he suffered in 2023, per National World. Despite this decline, Branson maintains his position as one of the richest individuals in the U.K.