Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to Gigwam After Dragons’ Den?
Gigwam appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2012, Series 10 Episode 6. The business was a tent system for outdoor events. They secured investment from Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden on the show. The company was dissolved in 2021.
The Pitch
Dustin Toland walked into the Den in 2012 with a tent system for outdoor events. They were asking for £100,000 in exchange for 45% 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. Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden offered £100,000 for 45%, and Dustin Toland 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
Gigwam did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2021, some 9 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 Gigwam Still in Business?
No. Gigwam 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 Billy + Margot, WoodBlocX, Fight Factor, Topline Dance Frame. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
Watch the Pitch
Companies House Data
- Status
- dissolved
- Company Number
- 06837128
- Registered Name
- GIGWAM LIMITED
- Incorporated
- 2009-03-04 (ceased 2021-11-23)
- Company Type
- ltd
- SIC Codes
- 46900, 47640, 74100
- Registered Address
- Copperfield The Street, Ash-Cum-Ridley, Nr Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7HB
- Accounts
- total-exemption-full (period ending 2019-03-31)
- Latest Financials
- Turnover
- £13000
- Gross Profit
- £13000
- Net Profit
- £500
- Total Assets Less Liabilities
- £2700
- Employees
- 1
- Period
- 1.4.18 to 31.3.19
- Officers
-
TOLAND, Dustin
— director
Copperfield, The Street Ash, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7HB
-
TOLAND, Sandra Patricia
— secretary (resigned 2016-02-10)
Copperfield, The Street, Ash, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 7HB, England
-
TOLAND, Dustin
— director