Reggae singer and chef Levi Roots strummed his way into the Den asking for £50,000 to manufacture his spicy Reggae Reggae Sauce. In return Levi (real name Keith) was offering 20% of equity in the business.
The sauce is a secret recipe from Levi's grandmother and must be hot stuff because even Peter Jones raised a sweat after trying it.
Levi was in a lather too, and got mixed up between his litres and kilos: "I'm a singer, not a mathematician."
Not everyone was impressed. Duncan Bannatyne thought it wouldn't make much money, Deborah Meaden considered it might make just enough to provide a lifestyle business, and Theo Paphitis said that the orders Levi already had meant that he didn't need the investment at all. So they all declared themselves out.
In the end Levi warmed two of the Dragons' hearts though, because Peter Jones offered half the amount for 20% of equity, and Richard Farleigh chipped in with the remaining £25,000 for another 20%.
So he left the Den with £50,000 and 60% of his business and gave the Dragons' a reprise of his song, disappearing to warm applause.
The deal done in the Den:
Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh: £50,000 for 40% of the company.
Last updated: Snapshot from March 2007
FAQs
Magic Whiteboard
With an original investment of £100,000 from Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis, this portable whiteboard roll became a smash hit. The Magic Whiteboard was created by husband and wife Neil and Laura Westwood and has since become the two Dragons' most successful investment.
Who is the most successful rejected Dragons Den? ›
Created by Rob Law the children's trunk was turned down after Theo Paphitis broke a strap of the suitcase leading to Dragons questioning the quality. However, Paphitis has since regretted the remarks as Trunki is the most successful product never to be invested by the Dragons, making revenue of £8.13 million.
Who is the richest entrepreneur on the Dragons Den? ›
Peter Jones literally and metaphorically dwarves the rest of the Dragons. The only Dragon still standing from the very first series 19 years ago, the business mogul is also the richest and reportedly has a net worth of £1.2billion, according to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2023.
What was the biggest deal in Dragons Den history? ›
After appearing on the show, the group behind GoCompare.com bought the energy switching site. Mr Hodson and Mr De Zoete said the £8.5million sale meant the Dragons had more than doubled their money in less than 12 months and could triple their money.
Why did Taj leave Dragons Den? ›
"As my own business, @vitabiotics, continues to expand, and my portfolio of investments grows, I am no longer able to dedicate the necessary time and attention to the show. "I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of the journey and wish them all the very best for the future.
Has anyone ever walked out of Dragons Den? ›
Cally was looking for a £75,000 investment and was prepared to part with five percent of his business, and although Peter Jones was ready to put up the cash, he wanted a 15 percent stake. The two could not agree, and Cally walked away with nothing.
Which Dragon from the den died? ›
Former Dragons' Den star Hilary Devey has died aged 65.
Devey, who grew up in Leeds, died after a long illness on Saturday night, her publicist Benjamin Webb said.
Has anyone made money from Dragons Den? ›
While the millionaires from BBC's hit Dragons Den have enjoyed plenty of success from investing in products discovered on the show, there are also many missed opportunities. Sometimes, they laugh hopefuls right out of the door who go on to find huge global success with their ideas.
Who turned down Dragons Den? ›
Cally Russell never dreamed he would turn down an offer in the Dragon's Den - but he has now done it twice. The Edinburgh businessman appears in the latest episode of the BBC series, eight years after he refused an investment offer from Dragon Peter Jones on a previous appearance in the den.
Has Deborah Meaden been ill? ›
In August 2022, Meaden revealed that she had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, in 2015, after her makeup artist noticed a suspicious small spot on her face around six weeks prior to her diagnosis.
Steven Bartlett - Dragons' Den Youngest-Ever Dragon.
Who has invested the most on Dragons Den? ›
Peter Jones has invested over £2m during his 18 seasons in the Den
| Dragon | Amount invested per Dragon (£) | Average amount invested per deal (£) |
|---|
| Richard Farleigh | 205,000.00 | 102,500.00 |
| James Caan | 724,166.67 | 181,041.67 |
| Doug Richard | 85,000.00 | 42,500.00 |
| Peter Jones | 2,080,666.67 | 115,592.59 |
14 more rowsNov 29, 2021
Peter Jones has the biggest net worth out of all of the Dragons at £1.157billion.
Who is the richest person to come from dragons Den? ›
Peter Jones
He's the only Dragon still standing from the very first series 19 years ago, and he's also the richest. According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2023, he reportedly has a net worth of £1.2billion. He started his journey to wealth as a young man by setting up his tennis coaching school.
Do dragons get paid for dragons Den? ›
Here was me thinking they'd spend all day listening to pitches from entrepreneurs all for their own image and the chance at making money from the companies afterwards. But no, that's definitely not the case! The Dragons are actually paid a fair whack for their time in the Den, to add to their already huge net worths.
Which Dragon has made the most money? ›
Peter Jones
He's the only Dragon still standing from the very first series 19 years ago, and he's also the richest. According to the Sunday Times Rich List in 2023, he reportedly has a net worth of £1.2billion. He started his journey to wealth as a young man by setting up his tennis coaching school.
Which dragons have made the most money? ›
Peter Jones is the richest and longest-serving Dragon, having joined the show on its very first season. Jones has an impressive portfolio including Expansys, Data Select, Jessops, Levi Roots, Red Letter Days, Wonderland Magazine and Bladez Toyz.
What is the best selling items in the world? ›
Clothes are among the best-selling products online. That's why there is a high potential for high earnings in the apparel niche. However, people often prefer to purchase clothes from well-known brands. Nevertheless, there are still many opportunities for businesses or individuals to explore.
