Sir Richard Branson is using his billions to back all of these tech startups

Taking shares in fast-growing companies is a pastime for many of the world's richest people, including the founder of the Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson.

Wealthy individuals are constantly on the look out for the next big thing as they look to carry on building their already-impressive personal fortunes.

Branson's net worth of $4.9 billion (£3.2 billion) makes him one of the richest men on the planet.

Here are the 18 technology companies that Branson is backing around the world, according to CrunchBase.

The investments are listed in chronological order.