David Richards is one of Sheffield's most successful entrepreneurs. He co-founded WANdisco back in 2005, and since then has led the business on a course of rapid international expansion, opening offices here in Sheffield, the US, Japan and China. The business has annual revenues in excess of $30 million and employs 180 people worldwide, including the team here in Sheffield.
A passionate advocate of entrepreneurship, David has established and successfully exited several highly successful Silicon Valley technology companies and at this month's 3D Connect session he is going to be sharing his incredibly successful entrepreneurial journey and experiences.
It doesn't stop there! David and his wife Jane founded the David & Jane Richards Family Foundation with the purpose to educate, empower and improve the lives of children through hands-on programmes and targeted assistance. They aim to encourage children to fulfil their potential and make a positive impact on the world around them.
David will be providing us with some insights into yet another innovative new venture here in Sheffield. It's called EyUp and is offering opportunities to people from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are under-represented in the tech sector. “Local and global economies are crying out for people with the right skills – latest annual figures show more than 150,000 digital tech job openings in Yorkshire and 4,400 in Sheffield,” says David, “EyUp will teach people to code, help them find jobs as developers, nurture new start-ups and contribute to social and economic wellbeing. Education should be the foundation of regeneration and EyUp will help individuals realise their potential and spread success across our communities."
As well as the training courses, there are initiatives to help course graduates find roles and exciting plans to provide start-up capital, investment knowledge and operating experience to new companies here in Northern England.
It's a truly 'Dramatically and Demonstrably Different' approach, and this is your chance to find out more about it.
So, yes, there'll be lessons into growing a hugely successful global business and insights into establishing a 'start up' here in Sheffield - something for everyone!
8.30 am to 9.00 am: Arrival, Catching Up And Breakfast
9.00 am: Just One Thing Updates! A chance to hear what's been going on from 3D Connect members
9.20 am: 'Cracking The Code' With David Richards
10.00 am: Time For Questions. Your opportunity to ask David your questions.
10.20 am: 'Just One Thing'. Review of what you've heard and what you're going to do
10.30 am: Close (but absolutely no rush to leave. Feel free to stick around, continue the conversations and explore Kollider!)
More details and tickets: www.eventbrite.com
