Upon hearing that, many of you, will have recognized that cringe-worthy phrase from one of Canada’s most famed TV shows: Dragon’s Den. A reality television show, revolving around business ventures, Dragon’s Den is a entrepreneurial gateway for the next big thing. People across the country, pitch to some of Canada’s most successful entrepreneurs for investments to grow their companies.
Dragon’s Den originated in Japan as “Tiger of Money” and since then has spread to many places across the world. Being a big success in Japan, as its first business reality TV show in 2001, it starred more than 16 entrepreneurs for its three year run-period. Soon, Sony Pictures bought the format and international interest was prodded. Today, the show has spread to over 20 different countries, and they sport some of the most successful entrepreneurs from around the world. In Canada, Dragon’s Den ended the 2009 – 2010 series with over 2.1 million viewers.
In Canada, budding businessmen propose ventures with 5 of Canada’s own:
- Kevin O’Leary – The blunt venture capitalist who made his millions from selling his educational firm.
- Arlene Dickinson – The only female entrepreneur on the show who made money from her company, Venture Communications.
- Jim Treliving – The most experienced (well, the oldest) on the show, the icon of Boston Pizza and sports teams.
- David Chilton – Author of the Wealthy Barber
- Bruce Croxon – Software Mogul who led Lavalife to success.
The Dragons’ all use their own money to fund the start – ups hoping for good returns. The entrepreneurs come for money in return for royalties, perpetuities and equity. The entrepreneurs range from start – ups making no sales, to multimillion dollar companies with hundreds of thousands in sales. The Dragons look for the businesses with the highest potential and decide to invest in the companies. With a wide range of representative’s, anything can happen.
The investments don’t all depend on one thing. They depend on the representative’s likability, sales, profit margins, debt, and product’s likability. Dragon’s Den, an icon of businesses connection to society, and philanthropy, should be pursued by everyone, and maybe one of you might decide to try it to.