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What Happened to Poker Controls After Dragons’ Den?

Poker Controls appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2011, Series 9 Episode 6. The business was a joystick for poker gaming consoles. No deal was made — the Dragons decided not to invest. The company was dissolved in 2014.

The Pitch

Jonathan Caplan walked into the Den in 2011 with a joystick for poker gaming consoles. They were asking for £275,000.

Despite their best efforts, the pitch didn’t convince the Dragons to open their wallets.

The Deal

No deal was made. The Dragons weren’t persuaded to invest, and Jonathan Caplan left the Den without backing.

What Happened After the Show

Poker Controls did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2014, 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 Poker Controls Still in Business?

No. Poker Controls 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 AB Performance, Aqua Sheko Fish Spa, Skip-Hop, N-Sign. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Companies House Data

Status
dissolved
Company Number
06678975
Registered Name
POKER CONTROLS LTD
Incorporated
2008-08-21 (ceased 2014-04-08)
Company Type
ltd
SIC Codes
3663, 5143, 7260
Registered Address
POKER CONTROLS LIMITED, 4 The Exchange Brent Cross Gardens, London, NW4 3RJ
Accounts
total-exemption-small (period ending 2009-08-31)
Officers
  • WITTENBERG, Raphael Isaac — secretary
    4 The Exchange, Brent Cross Gardens, London, NW4 3RJ
  • CAPLAN, Jonathan — director
    Flat 8, 135 Finchly Lane, London, NW4 1AU
  • CAPLAN, Rachel — director
    4 The Exchange, Brent Cross Gardens, London, NW4 3RJ
  • ZULBERG, Jonathan — secretary (resigned 2009-07-21)
    11, Hay Close, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 5RA
  • WITTENBERG, Emmanuel Gershon — director (resigned 2011-01-11)
    38 Downage, Hendon, London, NW4 1AH
  • WITTENBERG, Raphael Isaac — director (resigned 2011-01-11)
    4 The Exchange, Brent Cross Gardens, London, NW4 3RJ
  • ZULBERG, Jonathan — director (resigned 2009-07-21)
    11, Hay Close, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 5RA
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