Dragon's Den?

[ichkeria]

I saw this programme for the first time the other evening and was rather disappointed (although hardly surprised) to discover that it seemed to be largely a vehicle for five self-important "entrepreneurs" to be rude to people in a variety of ways (perhaps repetitively so after several editions although with the prospect, presumably, of the occasional winning ticket providing a "wow" factor).

A few of the interviewees looked quite interesting and I thought it was a pity that there wasn't more of them and less of their inquisitors.

Was I just unlucky? Or is that what people like to see?

[Duncer]

I tried a few episodes and found it all too sadly as you describe, the upshot being that I no longer watch it.

The closest I come to watching reality TV is the odd episode of "Come Dine With Me".

[snags]

The Entrepeneurs that get a hard ride deserve all they get in my opinion. A high percentage of the ideas are just not realistic money making opportunities. They're asking for the Dragon's money but many times are unable to provide accurate/basic business projection/profit/loss figures and seem incapable of answering perfectly normal business related questions. I'm amazed at how little these people plan and prepare and then seem surprised when they get rejected.

[Bazile]

Perhaps they are a bit frank at times , but then they are the ones who are risking losing their dosh .

Some of the people who are seeking funds , have simply laughable proposed ventures .

This is a show where the Dragons have licence to reject proposals in a way that your bank manager would get into trouble for - but then that is the format of the programme .

[snags]

Having said what I said above, watching entrepeneurs sweat and squirm as they're mercilessly grilled is part of the programme's attraction. Wouldn't it be dull if all the hopefuls were perfectly prepared and presented fantastic business opportunities that were snapped up immediately.

[cazzz1975]

I watched it the other night, considering they are asking for a lot of money I was surprised at the lack of a business plan or even just some facts and figures to give the dragons.

I dont blame the dragons for being a little obtuse, the entrepreneurs seem to throw their presentation together with about 4% effort and expect the dragons to get on board.

[Bazile]

There are a few entrepreneurs who had a good product , even if they were lacking with their business plan , but never- the -less won over the dragons

Remember Levi Roots and his Reggae Reggae Sauce ?

[ichkeria]

I don't doubt that the 'dragons' (sorry evidently the entrepreneurs are the other lot) are fully justified in their comments. What I wondered was doesn't it all get a bit boring after you've heard Theo Paphitis snarl 'no business plan!' for the umpteenth time? Or is there a lot more to it e.g. with the occasional 'success'