Exploring the Biggest Missed Opportunities on Dragons’ Den
Discover the top products that thrived without Dragons’ Den investment
Dragons’ Den, Missed Opportunities, Brewdog, Trunki, Tangle Teezer, London, UK
London: The Dragons haven’t always been spot-on with their investments. Many products showcased on the show have gone on to succeed without any backing from the Dragons.
Take Brewdog, for instance. This beer company started small but has now become a massive success. Then there’s the Tangle Teezer hairbrush, which also made waves despite being turned down.
We dug into the archives of the show, spanning 18 seasons, to find the biggest missed chances. One standout is the Trunki, a fun ride-on suitcase for kids. Rob Law created it, but the Dragons passed after a mishap with the strap. Theo Paphitis later regretted that decision, as Trunki raked in over £8 million!
Then there’s the Tangle Teezer. Shaun Pulfrey pitched this innovative hairbrush back in 2007, but his request for £80,000 didn’t go as planned. Fast forward, and it’s now a favorite, even getting a nod from Victoria Beckham!
Hungry House is another example. The online takeaway service missed out on a £100,000 investment from Duncan Bannatyne. They merged with JustEat later and made a whopping £240 million!
Rachel Lowe pitched a board game inspired by London in the first series. She was turned down, but her game ended up being a bestseller at Hamley’s and even led to a Disney deal!
And let’s not forget Cup-a-Wine, a simple idea for a sealed wine cup that the Dragons overlooked. Now, it’s a go-to for picnics and commutes.
Lastly, Brewdog started as a small venture asking for £100,000 for 20% equity. The Dragons weren’t interested, but now it’s worth a staggering £360 million!