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What Happened to Staels Design (wheelAIR) After Dragons’ Den?

Staels Design (wheelAIR) appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2018, Series 15 Episode 10. The business was a cooling backrest cushion for wheelchair users. They secured investment from Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden on the show. The company went into liquidation in 2023.

The Pitch

Corien Staels walked into the Den in 2018 with a cooling backrest cushion for wheelchair users. They were asking for £75,000 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 £75,000 for 30% (20% once the investment is repaid.), and Corien Staels 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

Staels Design (wheelAIR) did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2023, some 5 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 Staels Design (wheelAIR) Still in Business?

No. Staels Design (wheelAIR) is no longer in business. Companies House records show the company is in liquidation.

Related Companies

If you’re curious about other businesses from the same episode, you might also want to look at EcoSpot, Giving Tree Ventures, Techsixtyfour (My Gator Watch). Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Companies House Data

Status
liquidation
Company Number
SC529712
Registered Name
STAELS DESIGN LTD
Incorporated
2016-03-15
Company Type
ltd
SIC Codes
13990
Registered Address
227 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2ND
Accounts
total-exemption-full (period ending 2021-12-31)
Latest Financials
Total Assets Less Liabilities
£497722
Employees
0
Period
1 April 2021 to 31 December 2021
Officers
  • DEGROUX, Bernard Marie — director
    227, West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2ND
  • SALTRESE, Allison, Dr. — director
    227, West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2ND
  • STAELS, Corien Hendrika Martha — director
    227, West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2ND
  • BRULL, Saffier — director (resigned 2022-07-25)
    Clyde Offices, West George Street 48, 2nd Floor, Glasgow, G2 1BP, Scotland
  • LETTICE, Paul Karl — director (resigned 2018-05-08)
    6th Floor, Gordon Chambers, 90 Mitchell Street, Glasgow, G1 3NQ, Scotland
  • NICHOLL, Albert — director (resigned 2022-07-25)
    Clyde Offices, West George Street 48, 2nd Floor, Glasgow, G2 1BP, Scotland
  • ROGMANS, Max — director (resigned 2020-09-30)
    Suite A, Sky Hub, Skypark 1, 8 Elliot Place, Glasgow, G3 8EP, Scotland
  • SIMPSON, Gavin — director (resigned 2019-06-04)
    20/7, Hopetoun Crescent, Edinburgh, EH7 4AY, Scotland
← Series 15 ← Episode 10