Dragons' Den Online

Dragons Den Online is now the place to fine investment for new business ideas or inventions.

Entrepreneurs are invited to apply online at www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/apply with a 3 minute video pitch.  A key element of Dragons Den Online is the open debate of  ideas before they are put before the Dragons. Through their video pitches, entrepreneur's business ideas stimulate debate and visitors to the site are able to leave their ratings and comments. These comments can help entrepreneurs develop their ideas but only the best will make it into the the Den to pitch to the Online Dragons.

The rules are simple: entrepreneurs can ask for cash investment in return for equity in their business. However, they must get at least the amount they ask for or they will walk away with nothing. The Dragons are prepared to listen to a pitch for any kind of business but they must be convinced that it will make them money. There are two Online Dragons ready to invest up to £50,000 to fledgling businesses and innovative products.

As demonstrated by the investments both on TV and online; ideas, businesses and products that meet some or all of the following criteria stand a good chance of securing the Dragons’ interest:

• Unique Selling Point: a product that serves a need like nothing else
• Scalability: something that can be up scaled to make real money
• Route to Market: a clear way the product can be sold and marketed.
• Mutually Beneficial Arrangement: just what will the Dragons get out of it?
• Exit Strategy: a plan of how the entrepreneur/Dragon will exit and make money

For more info about Dragons Den Online visit www.bbc.co.uk/dragonsden/apply.

If you are thinking of starting a business speak to Business in Focus, we've 25 years experience of helping new businesses to start and grow - visit our New Business Start Ups page or contact us on 0870 950 90 90 or at enquiries@businessinfocus.co.uk.

If you have an existing business and you would like to speak to someone about further growth or development, visit our existing business pages or contact us on 0870 950 90 90 or at enquiries@businessinfocus.co.uk.