He’s one of the most recognisable billionaires in the world, yet when Sir Richard Branson took to the streets of New York with a microphone, hardly anyone gave him the time of day. The Virgin Group founder, whose net worth is pegged at Rs 25,000 crore, as per Forbes, was left asking strangers questions only to be brushed off. The awkward yet amusing video has since gone viral, showing that even billionaires aren’t immune to rejection. Actor R Madhavan too shared the video on his Instagram story.
In a video posted by entrepreneur Simon Squibb on Instagram, Richard Branson is shown trying to stop people on the street but getting brushed off multiple times. Two women walked past without acknowledging him as he tried to strike up a conversation. Squibb lightheartedly remarked that rejection can be good for you, while Branson admitted he wasn’t having much success. He eventually managed to get one passerby to talk, who revealed his dream of gaining financial independence and creating a positive impact.
The video quickly drew plenty of reactions online. Many were stunned to see Richard Branson being rejected on the streets, while others found the lighthearted moment of rejection amusing. Some viewers expressed disbelief that people failed to recognise him, and a few shared how much they admired his journey as an entrepreneur. Actor R Madhavan also joined in, posting the clip on his Instagram story and pointing out that even someone like Branson has to face such moments.
Why was Richard Branson on NY streets?
Richard Branson wasn’t just roaming the streets of New York for fun—he was there to spread the word about Doorbell of Dreams, a new initiative he launched with HelpBnk founder Simon Squibb. The project gives aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to ring a video doorbell and pitch their ideas in under a minute. The best pitches get visibility and guidance, turning quick street-level encounters into potential life-changing opportunities.
About Richard Branson
Branson’s story has long fascinated people. The son of a barrister and a flight attendant, he first made his mark with a mail-order record business more than five decades ago. Today, his Virgin empire includes airlines like Virgin Atlantic and space venture Virgin Galactic. Not every bet has paid off, though—Virgin Orbit, his rocket company, went bankrupt in 2023 after once being valued at $4 billion. Meanwhile, his digital bank Virgin Money is expected to sell to Nationwide later this year for over $3.5 billion.
In a video posted by entrepreneur Simon Squibb on Instagram, Richard Branson is shown trying to stop people on the street but getting brushed off multiple times. Two women walked past without acknowledging him as he tried to strike up a conversation. Squibb lightheartedly remarked that rejection can be good for you, while Branson admitted he wasn’t having much success. He eventually managed to get one passerby to talk, who revealed his dream of gaining financial independence and creating a positive impact.
The video quickly drew plenty of reactions online. Many were stunned to see Richard Branson being rejected on the streets, while others found the lighthearted moment of rejection amusing. Some viewers expressed disbelief that people failed to recognise him, and a few shared how much they admired his journey as an entrepreneur. Actor R Madhavan also joined in, posting the clip on his Instagram story and pointing out that even someone like Branson has to face such moments.
Why was Richard Branson on NY streets?
Richard Branson wasn’t just roaming the streets of New York for fun—he was there to spread the word about Doorbell of Dreams, a new initiative he launched with HelpBnk founder Simon Squibb. The project gives aspiring entrepreneurs a chance to ring a video doorbell and pitch their ideas in under a minute. The best pitches get visibility and guidance, turning quick street-level encounters into potential life-changing opportunities.
About Richard Branson
Branson’s story has long fascinated people. The son of a barrister and a flight attendant, he first made his mark with a mail-order record business more than five decades ago. Today, his Virgin empire includes airlines like Virgin Atlantic and space venture Virgin Galactic. Not every bet has paid off, though—Virgin Orbit, his rocket company, went bankrupt in 2023 after once being valued at $4 billion. Meanwhile, his digital bank Virgin Money is expected to sell to Nationwide later this year for over $3.5 billion.
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