Would you go into the Dragon's Den? - UK Business Labs

**Emma** · #1 (**permalink**) 30-08-2008, 12:14 PM

Would you go into the Dragon's Den? I'm not sure if I would. It seems that people sell their soul just for the publicity.

**trevorwood** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:19 AM

Yes - if I had the right idea and the right team with me.

inspired lady · #3 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:38 AM

I have heard that even when you have been in the "Den"..the dragons then follow through with due diligence, and the deal can be refused later..off camera!

**trevorwood** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 09:17 AM

we saw this happen on one of the early series - I can't remember what the product was or who the investors were, but I do remeber in one of the follow up programmes they talked about this issue

Meanna Blog · #5 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 08:32 PM

Sometimes in the middle of the night, i'll have a great idea and i'll want to take it onto dragon's den... then in the cold hard light of the morning when i've run it past 3 people it isn't that great.

I'm convinced that there is a great idea bubbling inside though...

**trevorwood** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-09-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Meanna Blog

then in the cold hard light of the morning when i've run it past 3 people it isn't that great.

Are you running it past the right three people? It amazes me how many nay-sayers there are out there

john scott · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2008, 05:15 PM

Only as a last resort

trogette · #8 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 10:01 AM

If I had the right product and the right biz. plan then I think I should be able to find investment without resorting to that kind of freak-show *but* I can see that it's good publicity for the participants.

Meanna Blog · #9 (**permalink**) 03-09-2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevorwood

Are you running it past the right three people? It amazes me how many nay-sayers there are out there

Usually my wife and my two little girls

projectxy · #10 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008, 05:07 PM

Personally I dont think I could bring myself to pitch to them. I agree with one of the previous posts that it has become a little too much of a publicity stunt for some people..."We were in the Den" etc etc..

I also feel that sometimes they do go for the hard deals.. that is the dragons. I appreciate that they are not just going to throw money at people but you do have to ask yourself what are they truly going to give you.

Im sure there are just as good business angels out there who would invest and dedicate their time to you for the right business plans..

any way thats my 2 cents worth lol

Paul Norman · #11 (**permalink**) 05-09-2008, 07:40 AM

The dragons are competent, successful businessmen. Of course they throw out some of the deals after due diligence!

If I had the right idea, and needed funding, I would not go on a TV programme, but would approach funding in a more structured and professional way!

Its good TV though...worrying that some of the contestants might actually believe they have a business idea when they know nothing about how to research a market, pitch for funding, or, in some cases, do basic sums!

**B_Cal** · #12 (**permalink**) 16-09-2008, 09:51 PM

You really get a feeling that some of the "non starters" are simply selected to make good television, not because the production team see any realistic chances of the dragons actually making an investment - they just want a bit of fun - sometimes I think the fairest thing would be for a bit of honesty with some of these people away from the camera, rather than to beat them up with a pubic audience

**OldWelshGuy** · #13 (**permalink**) 17-09-2008, 08:11 AM

We pitched our idea to xenos the business angel network. We wanted a financial man on board, as that was the one area we were weak. We got a few offers, but they wanted far too much equity so we said thanks but no thanks.

**Mark** · #14 (**permalink**) 20-09-2008, 02:13 PM

That's all it is - just 'good' TV. A laugh at other people's expense.

**brunswickheights** · #15 (**permalink**) 03-10-2008, 12:08 PM

Just to see Peter Jones ;-)

Telby · #16 (**permalink**) 17-10-2008, 12:34 PM

If I had a mass market product then yes I would - but I wouldn't take their investment offer - I'd take the publicity and get investment elsewhere at a better rate

Great telly though !

cheri · #17 (**permalink**) 23-10-2008, 03:42 PM

I would be too scared to go infront of the panel. I hate speaking in front of an audience plus being filmed eeeek!!!

I love Harry's take on things

I think the programme needs a revamp though (not just new dragons)... its abit samey now....!

Regards
Cheri

**GeorgeM** · #18 (**permalink**) 24-10-2008, 08:36 AM

I liked Duncan Bannatyne's words of encouragement to one contestent.

He said - it'll never work, if I were you, I'd give up now

How inspiring is that advice

Dragon-Media-Group · #19 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 05:31 PM

I can't remember what the pitch was for, but there was once a guy who went on there and was told "I hate the idea, I hope it doesn't work for you, and I'm out!" - that made me smile.

Peter Jones and James Caan both accept pitches direct through their websites for people who are not interested in appearing on the show.

I am not one to look for investment myself, I like the idea of building a business from scratch, as I feel that turning £1 into £1'000'000 is more of an achievement than turning £1000'000 into £100'000'000.

promostamper · #20 (**permalink**) 25-10-2008, 07:17 PM

no i would not go on dragon's den and i rarely watch it as i find it too sad and dont like the amount of equity being taken by the investors.

**Emma** · #21 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 09:53 AM

What's the delay in the recording and broadcast of the programmes?

**INDIZINE** · #22 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 11:56 AM

I was talking to one of the editors off DD when they rang to see if we would promote it to our clients (when I was a director at the enterprise agency) and I said really, it was (more so at that time) more about humiliation than a serious businesss proposition and that I wouldnt want to encourage people into that scenario. She naturally disagreed, but we all know it is like that. If they were harsh in private fair do's, but on national TV, you're putting your neck on the block.

If you have a product and want national public exposure (like Ling got and keeps getting theough repeats) then fine, go for it. And use your personality to overcome the humiliation, again like Ling did. That's the only way to retain any dignity on that programme if you come under fire!

I had a 10 minute interview with PJ and was filmed, for his Tycoon programme. I didn't do it to try and get on the telly, but I got picked so just did it as I wanted the opportunity of speaking to him. It was the fastest 10m minutes that felt like 2 minutes - I would have liked an hour at least!

Dominic · #23 (**permalink**) 01-02-2009, 11:02 PM

Don't know what I'd go into the Den for, banks give me money and don't want 2 kidneys for it

clairejarrett · #24 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 03:01 PM

Dragon's Den seems to be for more useful for new products rather than new or expanding businesses. I prefer the Angels Den format, anyone any experience of speed pitching or actually getting funding via Angels Den?

JGOffshore · #25 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 12:43 AM

Not for me. I don't like their style and from what I hear they often get it wrong.