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Like so many people, I grew up watching Dragons’ Den. And as someone with one eye on a future in entrepreneurship, I watched, learned and took notes from those powerhouses in the big chairs.
Little did I know that one day I’d be sitting there with them as their youngest ever female investor!
I love every minute of being an investor in the Den. I’ve found true friends in my fellow Dragons and meeting the entrepreneurs is so inspiring. You never know who’s going to come up in that elevator and knock your socks off with the most amazing pitch or new innovation.
With a background in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) products excite me when I can see the potential in them. In particular, I love products where there’s been some real innovation and when they provide a genuine solution to a real problem.
Something you hear a lot in the corporate world is that business isn’t personal. But in the Den, I’m always looking at the person as much as their business.
For me, choosing who to invest in is very personal. I want to understand and get to know each person before I decide whether emotionally I’m ready to invest in them.
That’s why you’ll see me being very selective in the businesses I do choose to become a part of.
I’m looking for more than just a financial investment, I’m looking for an investment that can enrich my life in other ways. Something that is interesting, not just profitable. A business that brings about social change is more important to me than a return on investment in pounds.
This is all because when I find a business where I feel I can make a real difference – I put my heart and soul into it.
SKIN is the ultimate money saving app for beauty lovers Dreamed up by forever skincare enthusiast and product fanatic Flinty Bane and her business partner Ben Barter They are on a mission to save people money on their beauty buys by offering access to the same quality price comparison as
Zebedee is the world s first clothes hanging system for sloped ceilings Diane Challender came up with the idea when she moved into a new home with attic rooms She needed rails to make the best use of the space but couldn t find anything on the market and as
Sibstar is the UK s first ever debit card and app designed to help people with dementia to access and manage their everyday money empowering them to live independently for longer in a safe supported way The debit card is pre loaded with funds How and where the money can
Scoff Paper gave the doggy world its first ever edible greeting card made from spuds Made using natural ingredients zero rawhide and in four tasty flavours Scoff Paper edible cards for dogs are a must for all doggy occasions From birthdays and gotcha days to Christmas and even Valentine s
The Mood Bears conceptualized in 2019 and subsequently brought to life have embarked on a journey of growth and development proving to be a valuable resource for numerous children and adults worldwide Beyond serving as mere plush toys the Mood Bears are purposefully crafted to bolster mental health and well
Sooper Books is a storybook streaming service for 2 10 year olds delivering world class free and low cost stories and audiobooks to millions of families at the touch of a button The service was started in lockdown by husband and wife co founders Simon amp Charlene for their daughter
With over 30 years of experience Psychic sisters is a wellness brand with a difference Psychic Sisters was founded by world renowned clairvoyant to the stars Jayne Wallace Her team of globally recognised astrologers palmists and tarot readers has been offering clarity to all since 2006 Jayne created her wellness
Kiddiwhizz is home to the innovative toilet invention the Whizzer™️ Launching in 2021 with the Kids 8217 Version and successfully gaining backing from both Sara Davies MBE and Steven Bartlett in the 2022 series of Dragons Den the Whizzer is the world s first handheld unisex eco toilet It now
Kate Matt and their gorgeous kids really made an impact in the Den Knowing First Aid can literally arm you with the tools and knowledge to save someone s life and Kate s personal story of her brother and why she was inspired to start her company really hit home
EasyTots showcases a range of innovative weaning products designed by mum of two Helen Davies Set up in 2016 and inspired by her own daughter Keira EasyTots is widely renowned by UK parents influencers and weaning specialists for bringing the concept of baby weaning suction plates to the UK market
It’s such a privilege to be in the position to offer fledgling entrepreneurs the support and boost they need to fly.
For me, the unwavering support, encouragement and advice I received from my parents and husband really gave me the confidence to make difficult decisions and take big leaps forward.
So, to be able to pay it forward and offer mentorship, help and advice to up-and-coming business owners gives me a lot of joy.
I get so much enjoyment from watching the personal journey and development of each business. Knowing that I have played a role in helping them to be even more successful than they might have been is just incredible.
Appearing on TV as a female entrepreneur and business-owner, and as the youngest female investor on the show, I relish the opportunity to be a role-model to any aspiring entrepreneurs out there watching Dragons’ Den.
Particularly young girls who might not see elsewhere that, in business you can be ‘ordinary’ like me, and succeed with drive, determination and the spark of a good idea.
