Excruciating at times, but very good viewing! (Dragon's Den)

Member Name: lunarc

Product:	Dragon's Den
Date:	03/09/09 (10 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Hear about innovative products and get tips in business

Disadvantages: Some rules - like not being able to take figures in - make it more about entertainment than business

Dragon's Den is a way for entrepreneurs to pitch to five series-regular investors (known as the "dragons") in order to gain funding for their business. The five investors have experience in a range of business areas and some are well known "celebrity" business people (although that is partly due to the success of the TV show). The entrepreneurs are invited to pitch for a maximum of three minutes and their pitch must include their name, the business name, the amount of investment they seek and the percentage of their business they are willing to exchange for that investment. They are not allowed to bring in paperwork, so they must remember all financial figures and forecasts from memory alone - which can be difficult when under the pressure of the Den! The rules state that they must secure at least the amount of investment they have asked for - they can secure more, if required / offered, but they cannot secure less than they have asked for. I've seen some really innovative products on Dragon's Den that I've gone on to purchase and I've seen some terrible pitches and business ideas! It can sometimes be excruciating to watch, as not everyone is a natural when it comes to pitching. It's a very entertaining programme though and I do recommend it if you could cope with the cringing!!

Summary: Very entertaining and informative program ... and also good for a laugh (and a cringe!)