Featured Image Credit: BBC
Topics: Business, TV and Film, Deborah Meaden
Jess Hardiman
An unsuspecting Dragon’s Den entrepreneur is being hailed the show’s ‘best ever’ contestant after showing off his ‘genius’ invention.
Paper engineer David appeared on last night’s (Thursday 26 January) episode of the series to show Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett his product.
David left the Dragons ‘blown away’ with his pop-up chess set, which he described as an ‘entirely unique product’.
Made entirely out of paper and card, the chess set is 100% recyclable and – unlike many modern games – contains no plastic.
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He explained: “The pop-up chess set can open or close in any position. The unique design of the board makes it impossible to upset any of the pieces.
“These unique selling points make it an ideal travel set, but also, as it folds flat, one that’s easy to store on a bookshelf at home.”
David then froze as his nerves appeared to get the better of him, with Meaden stepping in to ask how much he wanted and what percentage.
“If you’re struggling why don’t we ask you questions?” she said.
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David replied: “I’m seeking 40 percent. I’m seeking £40,000 for 20 percent equity in my company.”
Having struggled to get his words out, he added: “I’m really sorry for that.”
He went on to say that he also had plans to expand the product into ‘other areas’, including a pop-up Connect Four.
David felt worried he’d let himself down with his pitch, but Jones reassured him it was all down to nerves.
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And it turned out he had nothing to be concerned about, as the strength of the idea left the Dragons fighting over it.
Jones said the creation was ‘brilliant’, saying: “I’m absolutely genuinely blown away. It’s exceptional.”
And the reaction from viewers was the same, with one tweeting: “This pop-up chess set is possibly the best invention I've seen on #DragonsDen even if the business owner is nervous as hell. I really hope someone invests. #loveit @BBCDragonsDen.”
Someone else said: “FINALLY Something different and brilliant on Dragons Den.”
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A third wrote: “Even though the pitch was horrendous and definitely needs some form of mentorship, the idea seems like a good one #DragonsDen.”
A fourth added: “Recyclable and a pop up, handcrafted game? Beautiful. David is a genius. Amazing handcrafting #dragonsden."
By contrast, another contestant in yesterday’s instalment was branded the ‘cockiest’ viewers had ever seen – with one saying he was an ‘unlikeable deluded a***hole’ - proving that sometimes confidence doesn’t get you everywhere.
In the end, all of the Dragons apart from Bartlett made an offer with David, who eventually went with Peter and Touker, who both took a 10 percent share and contributed £20,000.