David Richards

Empowering AI Startups | Co-Founder @ Yorkshire AI Labs | Democratising VC | MBE | Philanthropist & Tech Visionary

📍 San Ramon, California, United States🔄 Updated September 2026💼 8 investments📅 8 years investing🗓 Last invested Jul 2025𝕏 @upgrade_to_unlock
Operator-angel🌍 United States
8
Total investments
4
Early stage
1
Mid stage
1
Late stage
8y
Years active

Portfolio

6 investments · sorted by recency
All investments
Early stage
Mid stage
Late stage
Investor & Non Exec
Jul 2025
Conveyancing is broken - but not for the reasons that many think. And technology has only made it worse. Our house is our most valuable asset - and yet many law firms have resisted making the same investment in their systems and processes - instead attempting to improve profitability by entrusting the process to unqualified (but cheaper) staff. LEXcelerate turns this on its head - by re-imagining the entire process in extra-ordinary detail, utilising the latest, best-of-breed technology, and ensuring that all stakeholders in the process are considered, we have built an new type of case management system - one that redefines the way that law firms operate. This isnt a "shiny new app" - this is a fundamental shift in thinking that delivers exceptional performance for the client, a refreshing working environment for the fee earner and substantial benefits to brokers, estate agents and lenders.
early stageLegal Services
Investor & NED
Jan 2024
At PureTec Clear Aligners, our mission is to make high-quality orthodontic care accessible and affordable for everyone. Revolutionary AI Treatment Process 50% More Affordable than other Clear Aligners Receive Your Aligners in days not weeks
Co-Founder & Investor
Jan 2024
Were on a mission to transform the landscape of asset management through the unparalleled capabilities of machine learning. At Intelliam, were harnessing the full potential of AI and Machine Learning to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the manufacturing sector.
Investor
May 2022
Turn machine data into actionable insight - fast. FourJaw technology turns live machine data into clear, usable insights, empowering better decisions across every shift, every site and every machine. Not just when a machine stops, but where energy’s being wasted, where jobs are stalling and where time and capacity slip away. FourJaw’s plug-and-play IoT hardware connects to almost any machine. It’s installed in minutes with no disruption and no downtime. Real-time insights into performance, energy, and output, all in one intuitive platform, with configurable dashboards that show the data manufacturers need, how they need it, making reporting and analysis feel effortless. See what’s underperforming, what needs improving, and where to act next. From one machine to the entire factory, it’s simple to install and built to scale. FourJaw. Factory Intelligence. Made Simple.
Member of Board
Jul 2018
Tech Nation fuels the growth of game-changing founders, leaders and scaling companies so they can positively transform societies and economies. We provide them with the coaching, community and connections they need for their journey in designing the future. Tech Nation - the growth platform for tech companies and leaders.
Investor
Mar 2018
Whether it’s an everyday commute or a journey that changes everything, Lyft is driven by our purpose: to serve and connect. In 2012, Lyft was founded as one of the first ridesharing communities in the United States. Now, millions of drivers have chosen to earn on billions of rides. Lyft offers rideshare, bikes, and scooters all in one app — for a more connected world, with transportation for everyone.
Experience · 13 entries
All (13)
Investments (7)
Founder (6)
Board (1)
2025
Investor & Non Exec
Jul 2025
Conveyancing is broken - but not for the reasons that many think. And technology has only made it worse. Our house is our most valuable asset - and yet many law firms have resisted making the same investment in their systems and processes - instead attempting to improve profitability by entrusting the process to unqualified (but cheaper) staff. LEXcelerate turns this on its head - by re-imagining the entire process in extra-ordinary detail, utilising the latest, best-of-breed technology, and ensuring that all stakeholders in the process are considered, we have built an new type of case management system - one that redefines the way that law firms operate. This isnt a "shiny new app" - this is a fundamental shift in thinking that delivers exceptional performance for the client, a refreshing working environment for the fee earner and substantial benefits to brokers, estate agents and lenders.
early stageLegal Services
Co-Founder
Jan 2025
Forging the Future of Deep Tech in the North. The Digital Forge is a community interest company born of industrial heritage, built for deep-tech futures. We’re shaping the future of UK industry through innovation, investment, and collaboration, with a focus on manufacturing, engineering, and science-led sectors. We bring together founders, technologists, and industry leaders to accelerate industrial transformation where it matters most. Join us in reindustrialising the North — by forging a new future with deep tech.
2024
Investor & NED
Jan 2024
At PureTec Clear Aligners, our mission is to make high-quality orthodontic care accessible and affordable for everyone. Revolutionary AI Treatment Process 50% More Affordable than other Clear Aligners Receive Your Aligners in days not weeks
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Jan 2024
Yorkshire AI Labs is a revolutionary approach to venture capital based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. YAIL provides a dynamic fusion of sweat equity and cash, supercharging early-stage companies to unprecedented levels of value and growth. YAIL has pledged to allocate one per cent of the equity it holds in each investment to charities in the local community.
Co-Founder & Investor
Jan 2024
Were on a mission to transform the landscape of asset management through the unparalleled capabilities of machine learning. At Intelliam, were harnessing the full potential of AI and Machine Learning to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within the manufacturing sector.
Show all 13 entries ↓
Investment activity
2018–2025 · 8 investments
20184202212024220251
Recent (last 2 years)Earlier