The latest rerun episode features entrepreneurs like Cally Russell, Zoë Chapman, and Alex Brees, who present unique solutions in sustainable fashion, potty-training aids, and marketing platforms.
The BBC is currently airing reruns of “Dragons’ Den,” showcasing notable entrepreneurs and their ventures from the 20th series as fans await the premiere of the next installment. One noteworthy entrepreneur featured is Cally Russell, who made his second appearance in the den. Russell is the founder of This is Unfolded, a sustainable fashion brand that emphasizes a zero-waste approach to clothing production. In the past, he had received investment offers but opted to decline—an action he repeated during this latest pitch, walking away without securing any funds.
Russell’s brand seeks to engage its community by allowing members to design clothing pieces. This model significantly reduces waste, with only about 20 items produced every few months based on actual customer orders. The prices for these garments remain competitive, with no item exceeding £48. Additionally, the brand offers a swapping platform for returned items, addressing the issue of returns—where typically 30% to 40% of clothes purchased are sent back, and half of those are never resold.
Zoë Chapman also made a significant impact in the den with her innovative Kiddiwhizz whizzer, a handheld toilet designed to assist parents in potty-training their children while on the go. The device is crafted for ease of use, featuring a detachable privacy shield and a leak-proof capacity of 250ml. Chapman, who has patented the design, received investment offers from the dragons, leading to a successful partnership with Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.
The episode also highlighted Alex Brees, who pitched his data-driven marketing platform, Un:hurd. This app aims to provide independent artists and musicians with promotional tools comparable to those used by major record labels. With more than 25,000 artists served, Un:hurd establishes marketing strategies to enhance visibility within popular playlists and press circles. Notably, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, and Touker Suleyman saw potential in Brees’s vision and chose to invest in the company.
Another entrepreneur, Fan Yang, sought to pitch her vegan mushroom snacks under the brand Other Foods. Despite the positive reception of the products by the dragons for their taste and health benefits—being gluten-free and rich in vitamins—the company’s financial estimates did not impress the investors, resulting in Yang leaving the den without an investment. However, her snacks are available for purchase through various retailers including Amazon and Ocado, starting at £2.50 for a 40g bag.
Overall, this episode of “Dragons’ Den” provided insight into innovative solutions across various industries, from sustainable clothing to unique marketing strategies, reflecting the diverse landscape of contemporary entrepreneurship in the UK.
Source: Noah Wire Services
