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.
$83.75 million (£55 million) in virtual medical care provider Doctor on Demand.
Doctor On Demand claims to be the fastest and easiest way to see an urgent care doctor or psychologist on your computer, tablet, or phone. The company puts patients in front of psychologists, physicians, pediatricians, and lactation consultants for $40 (£26) upwards. The service is currently only available in the US.
Investments made: $62.75 million (£41.3 million) in July 2015 and $21 milion (£13.8 million) in August 2014.
$6.4 million (£4.2 million) in cloud computing firm Rescale.
Rescale is a cloud simulation platform consisting of software and hardware that aims to help engineers and scientists build, compute, analyse, and scale simulations with high performance computing. The San Francisco company was founded in early 2011 by Joris Poort and Adam McKenzie.
Investment made: July 2015.
$30 million (£20 million) in travel booking software firm Zozi.
Zozi's platform provides web-based bookings, payments and customer management software for tour, activity and event businesses. The company aims to help people discover and book thousands of activities and getaways, and get the gear they need.
Investment made: July 2015.
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