What's New?
The BBC series Dragons' Den is returning for an exciting 15th series later this summer, not to mention the two brand new Dragons joining the panel.
The British television series - renowned for its multi-millionaire investors and passionate entrepreneurs - are to be joined by Tej Lalvani and Jenny Campbell.
Tej Lalvani is the CEO of Viabiotics – the largest vitamin company in the UK with a current turnover of over £300 million a year. Having worked in the company for 20 years, Lalvani worked his way up the company ladder. Starting out as a forklift driver, Lalvani eventually reached his way to the top as CEO of Viabiotics.
Similarly, Jenny Campbell left school at 16 working her way up from the bottom of a bank branch to a highly respected senior female banker. She eventually left the corporate world to become the founder and CEO of YourCash Europe, later selling the business in 2016 for £50 million. In 2014, Campbell won the Business Woman of the Year award.
Dragons' Den Dropout
Steve Parish, Chairman and part owner of Crystal Palace Football Club, was supposed to feature as one of the new Dragons on the popular television series. However, Parish later stated “I couldn’t give Dragons’ Den the time and commitment the show needs and that the entrepreneurs deserve, therefore I have decided to give up my Dragons’ seat to someone else.”
How Does Dragons' Den Work?
Contestants only get three minutes to pitch their idea in front of 5 wealthy investors who then decide whether they are going to put money into a business proposition. The variety of different inventions and ideas is what makes the show so watchable, as is the priceless reaction of some of the Dragons. The question as always is: "who is willing to invest their own cash?"
How to Apply for Dragons' Den?
If you are interested in making a Dragons' Den pitch, Innovate have provided more information in the link here. Innovate are here to help you succeed with your Dragons' Den pitch. We have first-hand knowledge of our clients’ experiences in the Den; this puts us in a unique position to help you prepare.
Whilst we may not have a TV studio, we do have the expertise on hand that can help you to chase your dreams. The team at Innovate are made up of award winning design engineers, patent researchers, market researchers and IP experts.
At Innovate we are always supporting inventors and new ideas so why not request one of our free information packs and take your first steps towards the Den.
Do You Have a New Product Idea?
If you have a new product idea Innovate can help. You can submit your idea via our online submission form.