Den Tracker logoDragons’ Den Tracker

What Happened to Zapper After Dragons’ Den?

Zapper appeared on Dragons’ Den in 2012, Series 10 Episode 7. The business was a website which buys iphones, ipads, electronics, books, cds, dvds and games for cash. They secured investment from Theo Paphitis on the show. The business is still active today.

The Pitch

Ben Hardyment walked into the Den in 2012 with a website which buys iphones, ipads, electronics, books, cds, dvds and games for cash. They were asking for £250,000 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. Theo Paphitis offered £250,000 for 30%, and Ben Hardyment 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

Zapper is one of those Den stories that actually lasted. Having appeared on the show in 2012, 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 Zapper Still Available?

Yes. Zapper Media Limited 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 iCafe, WeQ4U, Blue Green Yellow Dead Live, Rokka Play. Each has its own story of what happened after the Den.

Watch the Pitch

Companies House Data

Status
active
Company Number
06288065
Registered Name
ZAPPER MEDIA LIMITED
Incorporated
2007-06-20
Company Type
ltd
SIC Codes
47910
Registered Address
Techno Centre, Station Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5BJ, England
Accounts
micro-entity (period ending 2025-06-30)
Latest Financials
Total Assets Less Liabilities
-285731
Employees
0
Period
2024-07-01 to 2025-06-30
Officers
  • FENN, Jeremy Mark — director
    Techno Centre, Station Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS18 5BJ, England
  • CARY, Annabel — secretary (resigned 2016-02-01)
    Firecrest House, Market Flat Lane, Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9JA, United Kingdom
  • QA REGISTRARS LIMITED — corporate-secretary (resigned 2007-06-20)
    The Studio, St Nicholas Close, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3EW
  • MCNAB, Benbow Hardyment — director (resigned 2016-05-31)
    Firecrest House, Market Flat Lane, Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9JA, United Kingdom
  • NEILL, Patrick Brian — director (resigned 2018-09-26)
    Firecrest House, Market Flat Lane, Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9JA
  • WHITE, Mathew Copeland — director (resigned 2020-02-04)
    Firecrest House, Market Flat Lane, Scotton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 9JA, United Kingdom
  • QA NOMINEES LIMITED — corporate-director (resigned 2007-06-20)
    The Studio, St Nicholas Close, Elstree, Hertfordshire, WD6 3EW
← Series 10 ← Episode 7