Dragons’ Den Tracker

The Pitch

Guy Portelli walked into the Den in 2008 with a collection of 18 sculptures. They were asking for £70,000 (received 80,000) in exchange for 25% 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. James Caan, Peter Jones & Theo Paphitis offered £70,000 (received 80,000) for 25%, and Guy Portelli 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

Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio is one of those Den stories that actually lasted. Having appeared on the show back in 2008, the company has now been trading for well over a decade — an outcome that puts it ahead of the vast majority of startup ventures, let alone television pitches.

Is Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio Still in Business?

Yes. Guy Portelli Sculpture Studio appears to still be trading. Companies House records confirm the business is currently active.

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Magic Pizza, Ladderbox UK, E-Z-C (Easy See), Inchworm Shoes. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Videos

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This Outcome Is Very Rarely Seen In The Den | Dragons' Den

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Dragons' Den: Guy Portelli, sculptor PART TWO

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Dragons Check-In On Their Investments | Compilation | Dragons' Den