Latest news with #DragonsDen
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE We hit the jackpot with a life-changing deal on Dragons' Den - here's how much contact we REALLY have with the investors after the show
The co-founders of a pet food brand bagged a life-changing deal on Dragons' Den and have revealed how the show has shaped their business since. Dr Guy Sandelowsky, 38, and Shiv Sivakumar, 33, developed their allergy-friendly pet food business, called Omni, together. The pair appeared on BBC 's long-standing entrepreneur show in February and managed to secure a £75,000 investment from Deborah Meaden, 66, and Steven Bartlett, 32, for a 2.5% share. They impressed the Dragons with their company, which uses novel proteins to create allergy-friendly food for dogs and offers a range of supplements. Now, three months since the episode aired, Guy and Shiv have opened up to MailOnline about their 'nerve wracking' business pitch which landed them a deal with two tycoons. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The businessmen admitted 'it wasn't easy to get on' the show and they had applied two years in a row before. 'We were just determined that, you know, the world and the nation needed to hear about what Omni was doing,' Guy explained. The pair created Omni after Shiv, who has a dog prone to allergies and Guy, who has 10 years experience as a vet, came together with the aim to help prevent common problems in pets. Before entering the infamous den, the pair already had their sight set on two of the dragons and knew what they wanted to leave with. 'Shiv and I had watched Dragons' Den forever, since we can remember, and the likes of Deborah Meaden and even Steven Bartlett, even though he's a dragon that joined later on, we always admired them,' Guy revealed. He admitted: 'We always knew that, were we to be on the show, those are exactly the dragons we'd want, not least because they have pets, but also because they're just so aligned with what we're trying to do, creating a health sustainability brand.' The vet described the experience as 'really surreal, honestly and very overwhelming, but in a very positive way'. Despite carefully preparing an impressive business pitch, Shiv shared 'when it comes down to it, it was very sort of nerve wracking, because you realise you're going to go on TV'. He added: 'No matter how much you plan, you just don't know how things are going to play out.' During their business pitch, Shiv and Guy were quickly hit with questions from Peter Jones and Touker Suleyman about their valuations. Shiv admitted they were 'a little surprised' by how fast the conversation went in that direction and pointed out they have now gone above and beyond with their business since. However, the pair did manage to keep their cool during the grilling from the dragons. Shiv said: 'It's really interesting, because we're now, literally a couple of months since being on the den, and the business ... it's doubled in size, we're now tracking revenues for the year of nearly £10 million annualised, which is way more than the valuation we even went into the den asking for.' Eventually, Touker and Peter pulled out of making offers and Sara Davies declined on the basis the share was too low. Despite this, the two businessmen are thrilled about securing Deborah and Steven. Shiv explained how 'well aligned' the business partners are with the two dragons. He added: 'They authentically care about sort of what we're trying to achieve here. So they're both pet lovers. Steven actually has a dog that's prone to allergies as well. Really has an authentic connection to the environment and sustainability too. 'They both are very good ambassadors and advocates for our business, and that's what we hoped they would do, and they've continued to do that as well since the investment. 'So we couldn't have got a better result, because those are the investors that we wanted to achieve. And we did manage to get this. I think we were pretty elated.' Guy recalled how the knew the valuation they were asking for was 'reasonable' and even described it as 'quite generous'. He admitted: 'It just felt very validating when people like Deborah and Steven actually got behind us, and sort of actually on our behalf, were like arguing with Peter and Touker.' Since securing a joint deal with Deborah and Steven, the co-founders have been 'pleasantly surprised' by how involved the dragons have been with Omni since being on the show. Guy acknowledged that even though they are both 'celebrities' and 'very busy' with other projects, in reality 'it doesn't feel like that'. '... The line's always open. We can always speak to them,' he revealed. 'I would say that with Steven and his team, we've had particular guidance and support on some of the brand work that we're doing.' As for Deborah, who is known for her environmentally friendly business pursuits, the Omni co-founders feel particularly 'mission aligned' with her. 'You know, for us, health is number one, but also the fact that we don't use animal proteins in our products, it just makes our food more environmentally sustainable,' Guy explained. 'And I think because that's a mission that's so close to Deborah's heart, it was quite easy to build that connection.' He added: 'Whenever we do meet Deborah and we discuss our business plans, it's clear that she really cares, and she knows that when our business grows, yes, there's financial upside, but also the ethical side is really important to her, and she's helping to grow a business that is going to sort of contribute to practices that are better for the environment as well.'
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I met a Shaolin Master who can karate chop bricks, do press-ups on his thumbs and bend a spear with his throat. This is how YOU can follow in his footsteps: DAVID LEAFE
Throughout my interview with Shi Heng Yi I can't help feeling strangely nervous. The diminutive yet powerfully built figure in front of me is capable of feats that seem almost superhuman. A teacher of the Shaolin philosophies and martial arts first developed in China 1,500 years ago, he was recently introduced on the hugely popular The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Dragons' Den star as 'the world's most hardcore monk'.
The Independent
3 days ago
- General
- The Independent
Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne and his wife Nigora witness ‘life-changing' surgeries
Scottish entrepreneur and philanthropist Duncan Bannatyne is currently in Morocco with his wife Nigora to support Operation Smile. The Dragons' Den star has been an ambassador for the charity, which provides free cleft lip and palate surgery for children, since 2013. The couple are there to witness the charity's Women in Medicine programme and to meet the young patients and their families as they undergo life-changing operations carried out entirely by female medics. The health clubs entrepreneur met eight-month-old Zyad, who was about to undergo surgery on a cleft palate. Bannatyne has previously visited Operation Smile missions in the Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam and Ghana. His chain of gyms has raised £45,000 for the charity over a week of events. 'I am incredibly proud to support Operation Smile and witness the life-changing impact of these surgeries,' Bannatyne said. 'The dedication and expertise of the medical teams provide hope and brighter futures for so many children. 'It was wonderful to meet Zyad before his operation and witness the transforming effect that Operation Smile has on children's lives.' On his website, Bannatyne said charity work 'often leaves you feeling depressed, and helpless thinking, 'there must be more I can do'. 'Operation Smile is different. You see first-hand a child's life changed forever by a simple operation that takes less than one hour. You see the children's new smile and the happy tears of their parents. For me, it doesn't get much better than that. 'We need to keep making this happen because there are still so many children suffering."
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Scotsman
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne supports life-changing children's charity in Morocco
Entrepreneur backs Women in Medicine programme helping young patients and their families undergoing transformative operations Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Dragons' Den star Duncan Bannatyne is visiting Morocco with his wife Nigora in support of Operation Smile, a charity which provides free cleft lip and palate surgery for children. Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne with eight-month-old Zyad, who was heading into surgery for a cleft palette operation | Operation Smile/PA The couple are there to witness the charity's Women in Medicine programme and to meet the tiny patients and their families who are undergoing transformative operations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne with eight-month-old Zyad, who was heading into surgery for a cleft palette operation | Operation Smile/PA The programme is carried out entirely by female medics and the health clubs entrepreneur met eight-month-old Zyad, who was about to undergo surgery on a cleft palate. Bannatyne has been an ambassador for Operation Smile since 2013 and has previously visited its missions in the Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam and Ghana. His chain of gyms has raised £45,000 for the charity over a week of events. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Brighter futures for so many children' He said: 'I am incredibly proud to support Operation Smile and witness the life-changing impact of these surgeries. 'The dedication and expertise of the medical teams provide hope and brighter futures for so many children.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Victoria Beckham's glam pal signs up for huge ITV reality show ten years after quitting Dragon's Den
ONE of Victoria Beckham's top celeb mates has signed up for a new ITV series, The Sun can reveal. The 65-year-old star, best known for being an interior designer, appeared on BBC business series Dragon's Den between 2013 and 2015. 6 6 Now Kelly Hoppen is set to showcase her culinary skills in Emma Willis ' show, Cooking With The Stars. The Sun can exclusively reveal the businesswoman, who was open about her battle with breast cancer in 2023, has signed up to the series which pairs celebs with top chefs to whip up high-class grub. A source told us: "Kelly was loved by fans for her fiery nature on Dragon's Den but for her new series, the tables will be turned. "Viewers will see a different side to her as she'll be the one put through her paces to cook to restaurant level standard. "Will she be able to handle the heat in the kitchen? She's pals with the Beckhams and with David being a foodie, maybe he can give some advice. "Or her mate Gordon Ramsay could offer a few pointers. "Either way it's set to be a huge signing for the ITV series." The Sun previously exclusively reported how for the new series. Hopefully the dup will both fare better than former Countdown co-host Carol Vorderman, who left fans "vomiting" during the 2024 season. FIERY EXIT Kelly announced in 2015 that she was leaving Dragon's Den after two seasons because she was too busy to commit to the filming schedule. Kelly Hoppen shares her top design tips "It has been a privilege to be part of a programme which champions entrepreneurs," she said. "I will miss my fellow judges and I'm sure someone amazing will fill my seat. I wish everyone on the show the best luck. "What's left to say, but 'I'm out.'" CELEB MATES Spice Girl Victoria, 51, previously gave a glimpse into the £31million home she shares with hubby David, 50, and their kids - and which was designed by her pal Kelly. When the family lived in LA, after Becks' signing at LA Galaxy, Kelly was also on hand to style their American pad. She has also curated the singer-turned-fashion-designer's New York shows. Previously, a source told The Mirror: "Victoria loves Kelly's taste and knows she can trust her to do the best job. "Kelly is well known for working with block, neutral colours – shades of beige, cream, white and grey – and creating a calming, harmonious atmosphere. 'Kelly also pays huge attention to detail to create just the right relaxing ambience." 6 6
