Richard Reed is best known in the UK for being one of the three Cambridge university graduates behind Innocent Drinks, the soft drinks firm which made it big by selling fruit smoothies. US beverage giant Coca-Cola increased its stake in the business to 90% in 2013, while the Innocent founders have go on to set-up JamJar Investments.

The venture capital fund is designed to love, help and invest in consumer brands such as premium takeaway service Deliveroo. Meanwhile, Reed has decided to throw himself into the world of politics by taking a leading role in the campaign to keep the UK in the EU.

The entrepreneur is the deputy chairman of the Britain Stronger in Europe group, which is chaired by former Mark and Spencer chief executive Lord Stuart Rose. Reed spoke to IBTimes UK about why he got involved with the EU referendum, took on allegations of scaremongering among pro-EU activists and argued why a remain vote at 23 June would be good for British business.

Latest EU referendum opinion polls

DatePollsterRemainLeaveUndecidedMethod
1 Apr–3 AprICM44%43%13%Online
29 Mar–3 AprOBR51%44%5%Telephone
29 Mar - 1 AprOpinium39%42%18%Online
24-29 MarTNS35%35%30%Online
24-29 MarBMG Research41%45%14%Online