StartupNorth - Latest Comments in Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

ahmedbad — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:50:37 -0000

Also, I dont think the Dragons actually understand tech startups. Aside from Robert, they made their money in different industries. Remember when TeamBuy pitched? And Kevin was asking for 51% because he wanted 'control'? And 51% for $150k? That's not how you fund tech startups. I personally wouldn't pitch my startup at Dragon's Den because I'd probably get a really lousy valuation. However, if I wanted to be on National TV for everyone to hear about my idea, I think it's a good medium for that. :)

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

ahmedbad — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 13:45:54 -0000

Also, I don't think the dragons really understand tech startups. Aside from Robert, the rest made their money in other industries. Remember when TeamBuy pitched? And Kevin wanted 51%? For 150k? That's not tech startup funding. So I personally wouldn't pitch my startup on Dragon's Den because I'd get a lousy valuation. The only advantage would be that I'd get to be on TV :)

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

Marc — Wed, 09 May 2007 15:48:02 -0000

Great post, Jev. I think you're seeing a movement in the startup world where it's cheaper now to start a company than it was before, and VC's are being challenged not just to fund smaller deals at riskier stages (or face extinction), but also they are forced to offer more than just money. (it's a bit like the lending tree commercials - "when VC's compete, you win!")

Great great conversations on what makes an "Anti-VC" over here: http://www.watchmojo.com/we...

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

Harold Jarche — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:28:40 -0000

I agree; it's great entertainment but not a real business strategy, unless you're trying to become famous as "that guy who did that crazy thing on Dragon's Den".

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

Mark Kuznicki — Wed, 09 May 2007 11:10:39 -0000

I second the motion on getting Sean Wise to host the show - he would be great! He was a very entertaining MC at the Toronto Venture Forum, obviously knowledgeable in the startup and venture capital space and a natural ringmaster for this circus.

Re: Why I won't be on The Dragon's Den

Ryan Coleman — Wed, 09 May 2007 11:07:39 -0000

Great post Jevon...

I liken Dragon's Den to going on a Blind Date. But on this date there are only two possible outcomes, you're going to end up married to her (and maybe some of her friends) or you're going to look like an idiot.

There's very few businesses that could benefit from the nature of the Dragon's investment/exposure. Ironically I think Jobloft.com was one of them as a few of the investors were in the right spaces for them but we all know where that ended up.

But as a non-retail oriented technology/software company... not a chance in hell.