Dragons’ Den Tracker

The Pitch

David Lees walked into the Den in 2005 with a custom furniture to house technology. They were asking for £225,000 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. Theo Paphitis & Duncan Bannatyne offered £225,000 for 50%, and David Lees 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

Mode Al did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2022, some 17 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 Mode Al Still in Business?

No. Mode Al is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2022).

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Personal Trainer, Extreme Sports Cameras, Respi Vest, Oxide Skateboards. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Videos

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Welly Wet Suit | Dragons' Den Pitch

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"We Should Be Turning Over About 7 Million A Year" | Dragons' Den

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Peter Jones swearing during Dragons Den Pitch. Series 18 Episode 8.