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Dragons' Den
Genre	Business
Presented by	Evan Davis
Starring	Duncan Bannatyne James Caan Peter Jones Deborah Meaden Theo Paphitis Formerly Rachel Elnaugh (Series 1-2) Richard Farleigh (Series 3-4) Doug Richard (Series 1-2) Simon Woodroffe (Series 1)
Composer(s)	John Watt
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Language(s)	English
No. of series	7
No. of episodes	44 (As of 16 July 2009)
Production
Executive producer(s)	Dominic Bird
Producer(s)	Dominic Bird BBC Manchester Sony Pictures
Location(s)	Pinewood Studios
Running time	60 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel	BBC Two BBC HD (simulcast with BBC Two, 2009-present)
Picture format	576i (2005-2008) 1080i (2009-present)
Original run	4 January 2005 – present
External links
Official website

Dragons' Den is a British television series, hosted by Evan Davis, and was first broadcast on BBC Two on 4 January 2005. The format of the show is owned by Sony and is based on the original Japanese series, which has been sold around the world.

Contents 1 Format 2 The Dragons 3 Other Dragons' Den programmes 4 Statistics 5 Successful pitches 6 Successful failures 7 Criticism 8 References 9 External links

Format

Contestants have what they perceive to be a viable and potentially profitable business idea but lack funding, or are already trading in their business but need additional funds for promotion or expansion. In the show, the contestants have an opportunity to present their business ideas to five wealthy entrepreneurial businesspeople, the "Dragons" of the show's title. They are required as part of their opening pitch to specify the amount of money they require from the Dragons. The rules stipulate that if they do not raise at least this amount from one or more Dragons, they must leave with nothing. In exchange for the investment, the contestants offer equity in their business, the percentage of which is also stipulated at the beginning of the pitch. If the Dragons see potential in the business idea or product, negotiations then take place around the amount of equity on offer, with the contestant having the opportunity to negotiate further, accept any offers, or simply walk away. Dragons can also offer a percentage of the money requested if they do not wish to commit the full amount, leaving the other Dragons free to do the same. This can lead to the contestant receiving the financial backing of more than one Dragon, with the benefit of a broader range of expertise. However, for this to occur, the contestant usually has to agree to relinquish a larger share in their business than they had first planned.

A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themself "out", implying that they leave the discussion. (However, on one occasion in series 4, Peter Jones continued to question an entrepreneur after his own declaration.) This concluding phase may range from a few minutes if the Dragons don't perceive the business plan as credible, to much longer when complex conditions are negotiated. The Dragons often ridicule contestants, on grounds that vary widely, but especially for over-valuation of their respective enterprises.

The programme was nominated for two BAFTA awards and an Royal Television Society award in 2007. The executive producer is Dominic Bird.

The Dragons

Series 1	Series 2	Series 3	Series 4	Series 5	Series 6	Series 7
Peter Jones
Duncan Bannatyne
Simon Woodroffe	Theo Paphitis
Rachel Elnaugh		Deborah Meaden
Doug Richard		Richard Farleigh		James Caan

The current Dragons are all together worth approximately £750 Million.

Other Dragons' Den programmes

A "Junior Dragons' Den" was broadcast on 16 November 2007 as a short special during Children in Need and involved young children and teenagers displaying their ideas. Items included a "Look for Loneliness" pack, with stickers, trophies and branded 'friendship' stops (£5000 was wanted) and also a selection of guinea pig and hamster houses (£1000 wanted).^[1]

Dragons' Den 'Where Are They Now'^[2] came in four episodes, showing how a selection of successful and unsuccessful contestants from the previous series had subsequently fared in their businesses. The first episode covered the first and second seasons. The second episode covered the third and fourth seasons, but focused mainly on Levi Roots' Reggae Reggae Sauce. The third episode showed more from the third and fourth seasons, but focused in particular on the iTeddy. Finally the fourth two-parter episode focused on the third season.

Statistics

Series One (6 episodes)
Dragon	No. of Investments
Peter Jones	3
Duncan Bannatyne	2
Simon Woodroffe	1
Rachel Elnaugh	4
Doug Richard	2
Series Two (6 episodes)
Peter Jones	3
Duncan Bannatyne	1
Theo Paphitis	4
Rachel Elnaugh	1
Doug Richard	0
Series Three (8 episodes)
Peter Jones	2
Duncan Bannatyne	2
Theo Paphitis	4
Deborah Meaden	4
Richard Farleigh	2
Series Four (6 episodes)
Peter Jones	4
Duncan Bannatyne	3
Theo Paphitis	5
Deborah Meaden	4
Richard Farleigh	5
Series Five (9 episodes)
Peter Jones	5
Duncan Bannatyne	4
Theo Paphitis	6
Deborah Meaden	6
James Caan	6
Series Six (8 episodes)
Peter Jones	6
Duncan Bannatyne	4
Theo Paphitis	5
Deborah Meaden	4
James Caan	5
Series Seven (7 episodes)
Peter Jones	6
Duncan Bannatyne	2
Theo Paphitis	5
Deborah Meaden	3
James Caan	4

Successful pitches

It has been suggested that this section be split into a new article titled List of Dragons' Den episodes (UK). (Discuss)

Episode	First Shown	Entrepreneur(s)	Company or Product Name	Money requested/£	Description of Company or Product	Investing Dragon(s)	Website
Series One, Episode 1	4 January 2005	Charles Ejogo	Umbrolly	150,000	Multimedia vending unit selling umbrellas and adverts	Duncan Bannatyne & Peter Jones	[1]
Series One, Episode 2	11 January 2005	Tracey Grailey	Grails Ltd	120,000	Tailor-made suits for businesswomen	Doug Richard & Rachel Elnaugh	[2]
Series One, Episode 3	18 January 2005	Tracey Herrtage	Le Beanock	54,000	A beanbag hammock	Rachel Elnaugh	[3]
Series One, Episode 3	18 January 2005	John & Phillip Petty	IV Cam	50,000	A 3D measuring system using camera technology	Peter Jones and Doug Richard	[4]
Series One, Episode 4	25 January 2005	Paul Thomas	Mycorrhizal Systems	75,000	Land for a truffle farm	Simon Woodroffe	[5]
Series One, Episode 5	1 February 2005	Elizabeth Galton	Elizabeth Galton Ltd	110,000	Custom-made jewellery	Duncan Bannatyne & Rachel Elnaugh	[6]
Series One, Episode 6	8 February 2005	Nik Rawcliff	Snowbone	75,000	Handle attachment for snowboards	Rachel Elnaugh	[7]
Series One, Episode 6	8 February 2005	Hugh Gwyther	Wonderland	175,000	High end fashion and culture magazine	Peter Jones	[8]
Series Two, Episode 1	15 November 2005	Dominic Killinger	Square Mile	150,000	Wireless broadband supplier to UK marinas	Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones	[9]
Series Two, Episode 2	22 November 2005	Danny Bamping	Bedlam Puzzles	100,000	3-D puzzles	Rachel Elnaugh & Theo Paphitis	[10]
Series Two, Episode 3	29 November 2005	Julie White	Truly Madly Baby	75,000	Unique baby products	Peter Jones	[11]
Series Two, Episode 5	13 December 2005	Paul Cockle	The Generating Company	160,000	Contemporary circus shows	Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[12]
Series Two, Episode 6	20 December 2005	David Lees	Mode Al	225,000	Custom furniture to house technology	Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne	[13]
Series Three, Episode 1	3 August 2006	James Seddon	Eggxactly	75,000	Water free egg cooker	Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones	[14]
Series Three, Episode 2	10 August 2006	Gary Taylor	Alpine Cleaning	200,000	Franchised HGV cleaning service	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[15]
Series Three, Episode 3	17 August 2006	Matthew Hazell	First Light Solutions	100,000	A sonar based man-overboard detection system	Richard Farleigh	[16]
Series Three, Episode 4	24 August 2006	Ian Chamings	MixAlbum	150,000	Dance download site with digital mixing software	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[17]
Series Three, Episode 5	31 August 2006	Richard Lee & Daren Duraidi	Dr Cap	150,000	Chain of shops selling baseball caps	Duncan Bannatyne	[18]
Series Three, Episode 6	7 September 2006	Stephen Bellis	Nuts Poker League	50,000 (But received 65,000)	Pub based tournament poker league	Theo Paphitis & Deborah Meaden	[19]
Series Three, Episode 7	14 September 2006	Peter Sesay	Autosafe	100,000	A seat-belt height adjuster	Peter Jones & Duncan Bannatyne	[20]
Series Three, Episode 8	21 September 2006	Ian Daintith & Richard Adams	Coin Metrics	200,000	Technology to monitor cash operations for slot machines	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[21]
Series Four, Episode 1	7 February 2007	Levi Roots	Reggae Reggae Sauce	50,000	Spicy BBQ sauce	Richard Farleigh & Peter Jones	[22]
Series Four, Episode 1	7 February 2007	Anthony Coates-Smith & Alistair Turner	Igloo	160,000	Specialist chilled and frozen transport services	Duncan Bannatyne & Richard Farleigh	[23]
Series Four, Episode 2	14 February 2007	Imran Hakim	iTeddy	140,000	Classic teddy bear with integrated media technology	Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[24]
Series Four, Episode 3	21 February 2007	Roger Hind	Rotamate	85,000	A clothes airer that protects washing from the rain	Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh	[25]
Series Four, Episode 3	21 February 2007	Denise Hutton	Razzamataz	85,000	A chain of dance, drama and singing schools for children	Duncan Bannatyne	[26]
Series Four, Episode 4	28 February 2007	Christian Lane	Foldio	80,000	Stationery folder that halves size of paper without creasing	Theo Paphitis	[27]
Series Four, Episode 4	28 February 2007	KC Jones	Foot Deodoriser	100,000	Sanitiser that kills bacteria within shoes	Deborah Meaden & Richard Farleigh	[28]
Series Four, Episode 5	7 March 2007	Chris Haines	Safe-T-First	95,000	Emergency light	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[29]
Series Four, Episode 5	7 March 2007	David Pybus	Scents of Time	80,000	Perfumes from historical times which are re-created for today	Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[30]
Series Four, Episode 6	21 March 2007	Peter Ensinger & David Baker	Standby Saver	100,000	Device which turns off standby appliances completely	All five dragons	[31]
Series Five, Episode 1	15 October 2007	Celia Norowzian & Ian Forshew	Beach Break Live	50,000	Events company	Peter Jones	[32]
Series Five, Episode 1	15 October 2007	Laban Roomes	Midas Touch	60,000	Mobile gold plating service	James Caan	[33]
Series Five, Episode 2	22 October 2007	Sarah Lu	youdoodoll	35,000	Personalizable doll	Deborah Meaden	[34]
Series Five, Episode 2	22 October 2007	Emmie Matthews & Ed Stevens	Gaming Alerts	200,000	Gaming referral website	Theo Paphitis	[35]
Series Five, Episode 3	29 October 2007	Mark Champkins	Concentrate Design	100,000	Products that help children at school	Peter Jones	[36]
Series Five, Episode 4	5 November 2007	Max McMurdo	Reestore	50,000	Functional pieces of furniture from waste objects	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[37]
Series Five, Episode 4	5 November 2007	Jamie Jenkinson	Cush'n'Shade	100,000	A fold-away screen that acts as a cushion and sun shade	Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones	[38]
Series Five, Episode 5	19 November 2007	Shane Lake and Tony Charles	Hungryhouse	100,000	An online takeaway ordering service	James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne	[39]
Series Five, Episode 6	26 November 2007	Ian Helmore	Steri Spray	145,000	UV Sterilising system for shower heads	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[40]
Series Five, Episode 6	26 November 2007	Mark and Eleanor Davis	Caribbean Ready Meals	100,000	Caribbean ready meals made using genuine Jamaican and Trinidadian recipes	James Caan & Duncan Bannatyne	[41]
Series Five, Episode 7	3 December 2007	Sammy French	Fit Fur Life	100,000	A dog treadmill	James Caan	[42]
Series Five, Episode 7	3 December 2007	Jerry Mantalvanos & Paul Merker	JPM Eco Logistics	100,000	Environmentally friendly haulage company	Deborah Meaden & Theo Paphitis	[43]
Series Five, Episode 8	11 December 2007	Peter Moule	ElectroExpo, Chocbox	150,000	Plastic housing that protects cable connections	Duncan Bannatyne and James Caan	[44]
Series Five, Episode 9	18 December 2007	Amanda Jones & James Brown	Red Button Design	50,000	A water transport, sanitation and storage device for the developing world	All five dragons	[45]
Series Six, Episode 1	21 July 2008	[[Jamie Turner[3]]]	Hamfatter	75,000	A music band	Peter Jones	[46]
Series Six, Episode 1	21 July 2008	Julia Charles & Amy Goldthorpe	D4M Ltd	75,000	Events management company	Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan	[47]
Series Six, Episode 2	28 July 2008	Victoria McGrane	Neurotica	56,000 (But received 75,000)	Fashion designer	Peter Jones	[48]
Series Six, Episode 3	4 August 2008	Ming Yun	Light Emotions	40,000	Glow in the dark products	Peter Jones	[49]
Series Six, Episode 3	4 August 2008	Michael Cotton	DDN Ltd	250,000	Misfuelling prevention device	Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden	[50]
Series Six, Episode 4	11 August 2008	Charlotte Evans & Caroyln Jarvis	Buggy Boot	80,000	Storage solution for pushchairs	Deborah Meaden	[51]
Series Six, Episode 4	11 August 2008	Andrew Harsley	Rapstrap	150,000	Waste-free cable-tie	Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan	[52]
Series Six, Episode 5	18 August 2008	Neil & Laura Westwood	Magic Whiteboard	100,000	Portable whiteboard in the form of a roll	Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden	[53]
Series Six, Episode 5	18 August 2008	Guy Unwin & Caroline Kavanagh	Planit Products	200,000	Toastabags	James Caan	[54]
Series Six, Episode 6	25 August 2008	Guy Portelli	Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio	70,000 (but received 80,000)	Collection of 18 sculptures	James Caan, Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[55]
Series Six, Episode 6	25 August 2008	Raymond Smith	Magic Pizza	50,000	Device designed to eliminate a 'soggy middle'	Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones	[56]
Series Six, Episode 7	1 September 2008	Dominic Lawrence, Simeone Salik & Janice Dalton	Blindsinabox Ltd	40,000	Temporary, easy to install blinds	Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan	[57]
Series Six, Episode 7	1 September 2008	Christian Richardson & Rachel Watkyn	Tiny Box	53,000	Unique recycled packaging company	Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones	[58]
Series Six, Episode 8	8 September 2008	Paul Tinton	ProWaste Management Services	200,000	Construction waste recycling service	Duncan Bannatyne & Deborah Meaden	[59]
Series Seven, Episode 1	15 July 2009	Rupert Sweet-Escott	Sweet-Escott Aviation Ltd	80,000	An aviation renewable energy supply company	James Caan	[60]
Series Seven, Episode 1	15 July 2009	Steve Smith	TrueCall Ltd	100,000	A device to stop nuisance phone calls	Peter Jones	[61]
Series Seven, Episode 2	22 July 2009	Richard Enion & Michael Davis	BassToneSlap	50,000	High energy drumming performance for corporate team building	Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[62]
Series Seven, Episode 2	22 July 2009	Sharon Wright	Magnamole Ltd	50,000 (But received 80,000)	A device to thread cables through cavity walls	Duncan Bannatyne & James Caan	[63]
Series Seven, Episode 3	29 July 2009	Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett	Lid Lifters	50,000	A labour-saving device for lifting wheelie bin lids	Peter Jones	[64]
Series Seven, Episode 3	29 July 2009	Oliver Richmond & Toby Richmond	Servicing Stop	100,000	A bespoke nationwide car servicing company	Deborah Meaden	[65]
Series Seven, Episode 4	5 August 2009	Tony Earnshaw & Stephen Pearsons	UK Commercial Cleaning	100,000	Commercial cleaning company	Duncan Bannatyne	[66]
Series Seven, Episode 4	5 August 2009	Karen O'Neill & Karen Coombes	KCO Inline Ice Skating Ltd	100,000	New inline skate that allows dancers to perform ice-dancing moves on all surfaces	Theo Paphitis	[67]
Series Seven, Episode 5	12 August 2009	Carol Savage	MyDish.co.uk	100,000	Online community for people who love food and cooking and want to share recipes with their friends and family	Deborah Meaden	[68]
Series Seven, Episode 5	12 August 2009	Jane Rafter	Slinks	75,000	Sandals for every occasion: one base with a selection of interchangeable uppers	Theo Paphitis & James Caan	[69]
Series Seven, Episode 6	19 August 2009	Jason Roberts	Tech21	150,000	Protective cases for laptops, mobile phones etc. using a material called D30	Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis	[70]
Series Seven, Episode 7	26 August 2009	Michael Pritchard	The Anyway Spray	125,000	Invention that allows every last drop of liquid to be used in multi-directional household product sprays	Theo Paphitis & Peter Jones	[71]
Series Seven, Episode 7	26 August 2009	Kay Russell	Physicool Ltd	100,000	Invention that reduces the temperature after a badage has been applied to an injured area	Deborah Meaden	[72]
Series Seven, Episode 8	2 September 2009	Michael Lea	Earle's	100,000	Food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods	Peter Jones	[73]
Series Seven, Episode 8	2 September 2009	David & Patti Bailey	Motor Mouse	100,000	Wireless mice shaped like famous sports cars	James Caan	[74]

Series	Successful pitches	Total money invested
Series One	8	£809,000
Series Two	5	£710,000
Series Three	8	£1,040,000
Series Four	10	£975,000
Series Five	14	£1,540,000
Series Six	14	£1,439,000
Series Seven	15	£1,410,000
Grand Total	74	£7,923,000

Successful failures

Some contestants have gone on to success with their products despite being turned down by the Dragons. Examples include Destination London, a board game.^[4] The Tangle Teezer, a hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair.^[5] and Trunki, travel luggage designed for children^[6] .

Criticism

In 2005 Rachel Elnaugh's company went into administration; the remaining assets were bought by Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis, two of Elnaugh's fellow dragons. Although Elnaugh was at the helm before and at the time of the company's failure, she blames the problems on the actions of the last CEO whom she appointed in 2002, whilst she took a non-executive role.^[7]

As a result of disputes with various Dragons, and the resulting uncomfortable position of the BBC if it allowed a perceived "failed" business person to be on a business panel, she agreed to leave the Dragons' Den panel.

In September 2006, in an investigation by the Sunday Mirror newspaper, it was claimed that most of the deals were unfulfilled after the programmes were shot. The article claimed that the Dragons either pulled out of the deals over minor technicalities, deliberately offered heavily unfavourable terms to the entrepreneurs in an effort to make them withdraw, or simply broke off all contact with them after the recording. The UK Dragons defended their record, with Duncan Bannatyne saying: "We don't hand over money to people who don't tell the truth.", while Theo Paphitis added: "I kept up my end of the bargain. The show is not about a cash prize, it is about us pledging to invest. But people must tell the truth. Simple." A BBC spokesman said: "After the initial agreement is made on camera, both parties enter a period of due diligence. Sometimes during this period the deals fall through."^[8] In fact, the BBC has never made a secret of this, with follow-up programmes admitting that many deals ultimately fell through.

It was announced on 21 May 2007, that Richard Farleigh had been dropped from the series. The Daily Mail suggested he may have been dropped in order to have a new dragon from an ethnic minority. Farleigh said, "It would be disappointing if that was the reason - rather than anything fundamental - if it was because I was the wrong colour. I don't know why this has happened and I am very disappointed and bemused - I wasn't expecting it because all the feedback I got was very positive. I had even moved back to the UK to focus on commitments for the show. I am gutted that I have not been invited back."^[9] James Caan, a Pakistani-born venture capitalist, founder of Hamilton Bradshaw replaced Farleigh in series five.

References

External links

• Official UK Dragons' Den Site
• Dragons' Den UK at the Internet Movie Database
• Watch Dragons' Den UK
• Dragons' Den UK at TV.com

v • d • e Dragons' Den (UK) Presenters Evan Davis Dragons Current Duncan Bannatyne (series 1-) • Peter Jones (series 1-) • Theo Paphitis (series 2-) • Deborah Meaden (series 3-) • James Caan (series 5-) Former Simon Woodroffe (series 1) • Rachel Elnaugh (series 1-2) • Doug Richard (series 1-2) • Richard Farleigh (series 3-4) Notable investments Reggae Reggae Sauce • Rapstrap • Chocbox • Hamfatter Related programmes Dragons' Den (international) • American Inventor • Tycoon • Shark Tank