Getting a rejection on Dragons’ Den might seem like the end of the road for many entrepreneurs. However, some individuals use this setback as a springboard to monumental success. Despite the Dragons being some of the most talented business minds, they don’t always get it right. Here are some remarkable stories of business ideas that were initially rejected on the show but later became highly successful.
Trunki: How Did a Rejected Ride-on Suitcase Become a Global Hit?
In 2006, Rob Law entered the Den seeking £100,000 for a 10% stake in Trunki, his innovative ride-on suitcase for children. Despite the promising concept, his pitch spiraled out of control when Theo Paphitis easily tore off one of the straps, leading to an embarrassing rejection. However, Rob refused to give up. Today, Trunki is a global success, with products sold in over 100 countries and a diversified range that includes a rucksack transforming into a booster seat. By 2018, Trunki was reportedly turning over £9.5 million annually.
Tangle Teezer: What Made the Dragons Miss Out on a £65 Million Opportunity?
Shaun Pulfrey’s Tangle Teezer, a detangling hairbrush, faced a harsh rejection in 2007. The Dragons dismissed it as unconvincing and not worth investing in. Undeterred, Shaun remortgaged his flat and invested his savings to bring his product to market. He managed to sell 35,000 brushes in the first year and secured placements in major retailers. Today, Tangle Teezer is worth an estimated £65 million and is endorsed by celebrities like Cara Delevingne and Victoria Beckham.
Cup-a-Wine: How Did a Rejected Wine Concept Make It Big with M&S?
James Nash’s Cup-a-Wine, a pre-filled, single-serve wine glass, was rejected by the Dragons over concerns about patent issues and competition. Despite this, James secured private investment and a deal with Marks & Spencer (M&S). The product, launched under the name Le Froglet, became a massive hit and contributed to a thriving business now worth millions.
BrewDog: How Did the Producers’ Rejection Turn into a £360 Million Missed Opportunity?
BrewDog co-founders James Watt and Martin Dickie applied to Dragons’ Den seeking £100,000 for a 20% stake but were rejected before even facing the Dragons. This decision by the producers has proven to be one of the show’s biggest misses. BrewDog is now a multinational brewery and pub chain, with the £100,000 stake potentially worth £360 million today. The rejection led them to create an innovative financing model, allowing customers to own part of the company, which has been pivotal in their growth.
Destination Board Games: What Made This Rejected Idea Outsell Monopoly?
Rachel Lowe’s Destination London board game was dismissed by the Dragons in 2004. Despite the rejection, Rachel’s game became Hamley’s best-selling game that year, even outselling Monopoly. She has since launched 21 different versions of the game and was awarded an MBE for services to business in 2009. Her current net worth is estimated at £96 million.
Hungry House: How Did This Online Takeaway Service Thrive After Dragons’ Den?
Shane Lake and Tony Charles pitched Hungry House, an online takeaway service, in 2007 and secured an offer from James Caan and Duncan Bannatyne. However, the deal fell through post-show. The founders then raised £150,000 from other investors, growing their restaurant partners from 150 to 2,500 within three years. Hungry House was eventually acquired by Delivery Hero and later sold to Just Eat for £200 million.
Oppo Ice Cream: How Did Two Brothers Turn a Risky Idea into a Market Leader?
Harry and Charlie Thuillier’s Oppo Ice Cream was deemed too risky by the Dragons in 2016. Despite the setback, the brothers pursued crowdfunding and now have over 538 investors, including tennis champion Andy Murray. Their low-calorie ice cream is now stocked in over 1,300 stores, including Co-op, Holland & Barrett, and Waitrose, and has gained the backing of Richard Branson.
What Lessons Can We Learn from These Dragons’ Den Rejects?
The stories of Trunki, Tangle Teezer, Cup-a-Wine, BrewDog, Destination Board Games, Hungry House, and Oppo Ice Cream demonstrate that rejection can be a powerful motivator. These entrepreneurs turned their Dragons’ Den rejections into opportunities to refine their business models, secure alternative investments, and ultimately achieve remarkable success. Their journeys underscore the importance of resilience, innovation, and belief in one’s vision.
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