Dragons’ Den Tracker

The Pitch

Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett walked into the Den in 2009 with a labour-saving device for lifting wheelie bin lids. They were asking for £50,000 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. Peter Jones offered £50,000 for 50%, and Lawrence Webb & Frank Drewett 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

Lid Lifters did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2018, 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 Lid Lifters Still in Business?

No. Lid Lifters is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2018).

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Servicing Stop, Dusty – The Dusty Springfield Musical, Tantrum Boutique, Blue Animals. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Videos

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"Bob, It's Just a Drain Spinny Thing!" | Dragons' Den

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Inventor Takes Unusually Principle Stand Against Retail Giants | Dragons' Den

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8 Most Successful Dragons Den Pitches