What Happened to Rugged Interactive After Dragons’ Den?
Rugged Interactive appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2017, Series 14 Episode 16. The business was a motivational fitness technology. They secured investment from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden on the show. The business is still active today.
The Pitch
Simon Heap walked into the Den in 2017 with a motivational fitness technology. They were asking for £100,000 in exchange for 30% 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 and Deborah Meaden offered £100,000 for 30%, and Simon Heap 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
Rugged Interactive is one of those Den stories that actually lasted. Having appeared on the show in 2017, the business has now been trading for over a decade — an outcome that puts it ahead of the vast majority of startup ventures, let alone television pitches.
Is Rugged Interactive Still Available?
Yes. Design for Sport Developments Ltd appears to still be trading. Companies House records confirm the business is currently active.
Related Companies
If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at Gruhme, Supper Deliveries, Selwyn's Seafood. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
Watch the Pitch
Companies House Data
- Status
- active
- Company Number
- 07114134
- Registered Name
- DESIGN FOR SPORT DEVELOPMENTS LTD
- Incorporated
- 2009-12-30
- Company Type
- ltd
- SIC Codes
- 32300
- Registered Address
- 1 Callywith Court Callywith Gate Industrial Estate, Launceston Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 2RQ, United Kingdom
- Accounts
- total-exemption-full (period ending 2025-04-30)
- Latest Financials
- Total Assets Less Liabilities
- £1366543
- Employees
- 41
- Period
- 2024-05-01 to 2025-04-30
- Officers
-
HEAP, Simon David
— director
6, Esplanade, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1HY, United Kingdom
-
STEVENS, Edward Harold
— director
The Ridges, Tetbury Road, Sherston, Malmesbury, Wiltshire, SN16 0LU, United Kingdom
-
COLEWILL, Jaine
— director (resigned 2013-04-30)
6, Esplanade, Fowey, Cornwall, PL23 1HY, United Kingdom
-
HEAP, Simon David
— director
Dragons’ Den Tracker