Dragons’ Den Deals That Fell Apart
Not every offer in the Den gets accepted. These are cases where a Dragon put real money on the table — and the entrepreneur said no.
Walking away from an investment can look like madness in the moment. Sometimes it is. Sometimes the founders knew exactly what they were doing. Here’s what happened to each of them after they turned down the Den.
A-Frame Golf
A-Frame Golf was lighter and cheaper golf bag. Jo Gascoigne appeared in Series 1 (2005) and secured £125,000 for 26.3% from Peter Jones. It was dissolved in 2008.
RakaStaka
RakaStaka was stacking units for beer bottles in fridges. Stefano Matheou appeared in Series 2 (2005) and secured £100,000 for 20% from Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis. The company is still trading today — more than 20 years after the pitch.
Orikaso (Flatwork UK)
Orikaso (Flatwork UK) was foldable food and cooking accessories. Jay Cousins appeared in Series 2 (2005) and secured £100,000 for 40% / 50 from Rachel Elnaugh and Theo Paphitis. It was dissolved in 2008.
Accommodation for Students
Accommodation for Students was website for students accommodation. William Berry appeared in Series 2 (2005) and secured £150,000 for 50% from Theo Paphitis and Doug Richard. The company is still trading today — more than 20 years after the pitch.
Concrete Canvas
Concrete Canvas was emergency shelter design concept. Peter Brewin and William Crawford appeared in Series 2 (2005) and secured £80,000 for 50% from Doug Richard and Theo Paphitis. The company is still trading today — more than 20 years after the pitch.
NovaFlo
NovaFlo was water-overflow protection device. James Barnham and Ian Sillett appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £150,000 for 10% from Duncan Bannatyne, Richard Farleigh and Theo Paphitis. It was sold in 2017.
Empty Me
Empty Me was foldable picnic bag and mat. Asli Bohane appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £50,000 for 51% from Deborah Meaden. It was dissolved in 2019.
Yogabugs
Yogabugs was children's yoga and mindfulness activity. Fenella Lindsell and Lara Goodbody appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £250,000 for 30% from Peter Jones, Richard Farleigh and Theo Pathitis. It was dissolved in 2017.
ID Scan Biometrics
ID Scan Biometrics was identity document scanning and storage. Tamlyn Thompson appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £250,000 for 50% from Richard Farleigh. It was sold in 2016.
Caddy Motion
Caddy Motion was portable charging device for batteries for golf buggies. John Mooney and Andy O'Reilly appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £250,000 for 50% from Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh. It was dissolved in 2011.
Garden Gopher
Garden Gopher was trolley for gardeners holding tools and waste up to 50lbs. Rachel Price appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £150,000 for 50% from Richard Farleigh. It was dissolved in 2009.
Trunki
Trunki was luggage suitcase for children. Rob Law appeared in Series 3 (2006) and secured £150,000 for 50% from Richard Farleigh. It was sold in 2023.
Lings Cars
Lings Cars was website for car rentals. Ling Valentine appeared in Series 4 (2007) and secured £50,000 for 30% from Duncan Bannatyne and Richard Farleigh. The company is still trading today — more than 15 years after the pitch.
EDV Videos
EDV Videos was video production service turning home videos into biopics. Richard Williamson appeared in Series 4 (2007) and secured £250,000 for 25% from Deborah Meaden and Richard Farleigh.
Isis Adventure Series
Isis Adventure Series was adult adventure puzzles and treasure hunts leading to cash rewards. Andrew Reeves and Dave Thomas appeared in Series 4 (2007) and secured £200,000 for 50% from Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis. The company is still trading today — more than 15 years after the pitch.
Cuddledry
Cuddledry was hooded towel aid for bathing babies. Helen Wooldridge and Polly Marsh appeared in Series 5 (2007) and secured £100,000 for 45% / 40 from Deborah Meaden and James Caan. The company is still trading today — more than 15 years after the pitch.
Diamond Geezer
Diamond Geezer was online jewellery retailer. Clive Billing appeared in Series 6 (2008) and secured £255,000 for 40% from Peter Jones, Theo Paphitis and James Caan.
Baby Loves Disco
Baby Loves Disco was organised children's party planning. Andy Hurwitz and Naomi Timperley appeared in Series 6 (2008) and secured £100,000 for 40% from Deborah Meaden. It was dissolved in 2013.
Westhawk
Westhawk was carbon fibre electric patio heaters. Eddie Middleton appeared in Series 7 (2009) and secured £255,000 for 48% from Peter Jones and James Caan. It was dissolved in 2014.
Paragon Pe Ltd
Paragon Pe Ltd was non-bio laundry detergent for mrsa and c. difficile. Paul Ward appeared in Series 7 (2009) and secured £100,000 for 30% (reduces to 10% over 2 years) from James Caan. The company is still trading today — more than 15 years after the pitch.
There are 83 businesses in our database where an offer was made but rejected. Browse all seasons for the complete picture of every pitch.
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