Dragons’ Den TrackerWhat Happened to The Running Mat After Dragons’ Den?
The Running Mat appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2013, Series 11 Episode 2. The business was a portable wearable exercise mat and boot-camp business. They secured investment from Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen on the show. The company was dissolved in 2017.
The Pitch
Donna Kerr-Foley walked into the Den in 2013 with a portable wearable exercise mat and boot-camp business. They were asking for £50,000 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. Deborah Meaden and Kelly Hoppen offered £50,000 for 40%, and Donna Kerr-Foley 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
The Running Mat did not survive long-term. The company was dissolved in 2017, some 4 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 The Running Mat Still in Business?
No. The Running Mat 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 Original Jerky (renamed Texas Joe's), BUKcase, The Rotaire Dryline, Nappies2Go. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.
Watch the Pitch
Companies House Data
- Status
- dissolved
- Company Number
- 08399519
- Registered Name
- THE RUNNING MAT LIMITED
- Incorporated
- 2013-02-12 (ceased 2017-04-18)
- Company Type
- ltd
- SIC Codes
- 32300
- Registered Address
- 27 Whites Gardens, Hebburn, Tyne And Wear, NE31 1AU
- Accounts
- micro-entity (period ending 2015-02-28)
- Latest Financials
- Total Assets Less Liabilities
- £18396
- Period
- 2014-03-01 to 2015-02-28
- Officers
-
KERR-FOLEY, Donna
— director
27, Whites Gardens, Hebburn, Tyne And Wear, NE31 1AU, United Kingdom
-
KERR-FOLEY, Donna
— director