Dragons’ Den Tracker

The Pitch

Stephen Bellis walked into the Den in 2006 with a pub-based tournament poker league. They were asking for £50,000 (received 65,000) in exchange for 40% 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 & Deborah Meaden offered £50,000 (received 65,000) for 40%, and Stephen Bellis 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

Nuts Poker League did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2014, some 8 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 Nuts Poker League Still in Business?

No. Nuts Poker League 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 Caddy Motion, Baby Grippa, Axis Keyboard, Eve'olution Solutions / Evolve Through Training. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Videos

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The Most Unusual Pitch in Den History | Dragons' Den

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Peter Jones Gets Shut Down By "Confident" Entrepreneur | Dragons' Den

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Dragons' Den - The Pitch - The Nuts Poker League