Entrepreneurs handed an investment on Dragon’s Den are promised support from some of Britain’s most moneyed tycoons.
As the BBC hit show returned to screens for its 20th anniversary series this week, our analysis shows only a third of the 397 winners are still in business. Among firms to shutter is Didsbury Gin Company, which went into liquidation last month owing creditors £200,000.
It tanked despite owners Mark Smallwood and Liam Manton securing a £75,000 investment from former dragon Jenny Campbell, who confidently vowed: “They will be taking on the classic names by the end of the year – watch this space.”
Others to go under include kids teepee firm Just For Tiny People, which featured on Series 12 in 2014. Owner Effie Moss netted £50,000 from dragon Deborah Meaden for the venture but sales quickly slumped, forcing liquidators to move in.
Camping stove firm Tegology from Series 14 also fell on hard times. Despite securing £45,000 from dragon Peter Jones, owner Spencer Turner was forced to dissolve operations in 2020.
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It’s not the first time the show has been called out. Last January, product Acu Seeds sparked outrage from viewers and health groups over concerns it was being wrongly promoted as a cure for myalgic encephalomyelitis.
Soon after securing an investment from Steven Bartlett last year, lab-grown diamond firm Kimaï came under fire for projecting “outdated narratives” about an industry that provides work for ten million people. Others have thrived after appearing on the show.
Levi Roots, who won over the dragons with his spicy jerk relish, is now worth some £30 million. Phone case and accessories firm Skinny Dip entered the den in 2012 and is now valued at £16.8 million and Wonderbly – personalised picture books for children – has flogged over two million copies and is now worth £30 million.
A new batch of entrepreneurs entered the Den for Series 22 this week. Thursday’s instalment saw millionaire fitness guru Joe Wicks join the dragon’s, with Trinny Woodall and Emma Grede set to guest star in upcoming episodes.
Regular dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett are also back for the new season. The BBC declined to comment.