Former Just Eat Founder, Dragons chairman and 83North partner David Buttress is the latest investor to offer financial support to GlobalWelsh, as the initiative expands its base of founding patrons.

Mr Buttress’ knowledge and expertise as the founder and CEO of a business, valued today at more than £5bn, is a major coup for the growing community interest company, which is seeking the support of 24 founding patrons to allow it to offer more opportunities and high-level connections to its community members.

Cwmbran-born David Buttress retains a place on the board of Just Eat and has confessed he now has more availability to nurture his passion projects - namely, his involvement with the Dragons.

With a minority stake (the WRU are major shareholders), Mr Buttress wants to elevate the club's position and transform the way it attracts investors - his vision is to help the Dragons rise to the top even if it takes 10 years to get there.

GlobalWelsh is now hoping that Mr Buttress’ involvement with the burgeoning community will be of benefit to entrepreneurs and business leaders in the community, many of whom are looking for opportunities to connect and learn from others.

With aims to strengthen the initiative's capabilities to create a raft of knowledge exchange and mentorship opportunities across the globe, GlobalWelsh expects to attract the support of others in Mr Buttress’ position who are at an ideal point in their career trajectory to be able to give something back.

David Buttress said: “I spent many years working 70 hour weeks and 50 week years but after a challenging career building Just Eat, I’m now committed to working on some of my passions and helping the next generation of Welsh talent develop their opportunities and skills."

GlobalWelsh founder Walter May said: “David’s story is inspirational and his desire to make a difference in everything he does is what makes him such a huge asset to any organisation he associates himself with. We are extremely pleased to welcome him as a founding patron of GlobalWelsh and to advise and assist us in all things relating to business and entrepreneurship."