Dragons’ Den Tracker

The Pitch

Rachel Price walked into the Den in 2006 with a trolley for gardeners holding tools and waste up to 50lbs. They were asking for £150,000 in exchange for 50% 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. Richard Farleigh offered £150,000 for 50%, and Rachel Price 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

Garden Gopher did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2009, only 3 years after the Den appearance.

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 Garden Gopher Still in Business?

No. Garden Gopher is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2009).

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Autosafe, Storycode, Pourfect, Bing Bang Bong. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Videos

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The Dragons Are Shocked By Garden Gopher Workstation's Amount Of Debt | Dragons' Den

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EVERY GARDEN NEEDS A RAKE | Dragons' Den - BBC