Dragons’ Den Tracker

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 Available?

No. Earles Limited is no longer in business. Companies House records show the company has been dissolved.

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

Videos

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Entrepreneur's Nearest Competitor Sells It For WAY Cheaper | Dragons' Den

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Startups Awards 2017: Judges Liz Earle and Touker Suleyman discuss the finalists

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Dragons' Den UK - Piers Linney - Shout Out for Bhangra Idols Sun.Oct.11