Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to Orikaso (Flatwork UK) After Dragons’ Den?
Orikaso (Flatwork UK) appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2005, Series 2 Episode 2. The business was a foldable food and cooking accessories. They secured investment from Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis on the show. The company was dissolved in 2008.
The Pitch
Jay Cousins walked into the Den in 2005 with a foldable food and cooking accessories. They were asking for £100,000 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. Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis offered £100,000 for 40% / 50, and Jay Cousins 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
Orikaso (Flatwork UK) did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2008, only 3 years after the Den appearance.
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 Orikaso (Flatwork UK) Still in Business?
No. Orikaso (Flatwork UK) is no longer in business. Based on available records, the company is dissolved (2008).
Related Companies
If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Bedlam Puzzles, Style Bible, Sisserou, SheWee. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
