Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to Earle's After Dragons’ Den?
Earle's appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2009, Series 7 Episode 8. The business was a food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods. They secured investment from Peter Jones on the show. The company was dissolved in 2014.
The Pitch
Michael Lea walked into the Den in 2009 with a food truck franchise that sells hot and cold foods. They were asking for £100,000 in exchange for 35% of the business.
The pitch landed well enough in the Den that at least one Dragon decided to back it.
The Deal
A deal was struck on the show. Peter Jones offered £100,000 for 35%, and Michael Lea accepted.
It’s worth noting that Dragons’ Den deals agreed on camera often go through further negotiation off-screen. Some complete as shown; others are renegotiated or never finalise at all. The company’s subsequent trading history is the clearest indicator of what actually happened.
What Happened After the Show
Earle's did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2014, some 5 years after the pitch.
This is not an unusual outcome. The majority of businesses that appear on Dragons’ Den, deal or no deal, don’t make it in the long run. The show can provide a platform and capital, but it can’t substitute for a sustainable business model.
Is Earle's Still in Business?
No. Earle's is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2014).
Related Companies
If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Motor Mouse, Quick Play Sport, Extreme Fliers Toys, Island Bakery. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
Watch the Pitch
Companies House Data
- Status
- active
- Company Number
- 08871239
- Registered Name
- EARLESDON LIMITED
- Incorporated
- 2014-01-31
- Company Type
- ltd
- SIC Codes
- 68209
- Registered Address
- 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX, England
- Accounts
- micro-entity (period ending 2025-01-31)
- Latest Financials
- Total Assets Less Liabilities
- £13282
- Employees
- 1
- Period
- 2024-02-01 to 2025-01-31
- Officers
-
DAWSON, Howard
— director
08871239 - Companies House Default Address, Cardiff, CF14 8LH
-
DAWSON, Daniel Howard
— director (resigned 2023-02-09)
27, Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX, England
-
DAWSON, Mary Victoria
— director (resigned 2016-02-27)
Flat 2, 2 York Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4DE, England
-
SYMES, Darren
— director (resigned 2014-01-31)
35, Firs Avenue, London, N11 3NE, United Kingdom
-
DAWSON, Howard
— director