Jenna Meek Joins Dragons' Den as Guest Dragon
Dragons' Den is set to return to BBC screens with a fresh series, featuring a notable new addition to its panel. Jenna Meek, the co-founder and chief executive of the rapidly expanding beauty brand REFY, will appear as a guest Dragon, bringing her entrepreneurial expertise to the iconic investment show.
From Viewer to Dragon: A Dream Realised
Hailing from Bishop Auckland in the North East, Jenna Meek has revealed that appearing on Dragons' Den fulfills a childhood aspiration. "When I was little, I always used to watch Dragons' Den with my dad and always aspired to be on the show as an entrepreneur, so to be here as a Dragon is surreal," she shared. Her journey from avid viewer to panel member underscores the show's enduring influence on Britain's business landscape.
The REFY Success Story
Jenna Meek's credibility stems from her leadership at REFY, a beauty brand she launched in 2020. The company has swiftly become one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty businesses, with reported annual revenue exceeding £40 million. This impressive track record positions her as a formidable Dragon, capable of identifying and nurturing promising ventures.
Investment Philosophy and Panel Dynamics
When discussing her approach on the show, Jenna emphasised her focus on visionary founders rather than specific sectors. "I'm less focused on specific sectors and more drawn to founders who are genuinely reshaping their industries. I love seeing entrepreneurs innovating, challenging norms, and reshaping within their space - that really excites and inspires me!" she explained.
Her style in the Den appears to be uniquely empathetic, shaped by her own experiences as an entrepreneur. "I think I'm quite a funny Dragon! I definitely found myself sticking up for the entrepreneurs and even telling the other Dragons off a few times. I really resonated with the people standing in front of us because I was in their position almost eight years ago," she noted.
The Authentic Den Experience
Jenna described the filming process as intensely real and unfiltered. "What was surprising for me was how real and intense the environment was. I think I underestimated how daunting it was for the entrepreneurs to come into the Den, pitch their business that they have worked tirelessly to build all whilst being on national television," she reflected. This authenticity, she added, made her feel protective and championing towards the pitchers.
"The process itself also surprised me. It is exactly how you see it on TV, just a shorter version. You get no prior knowledge of the businesses; you get a quick look at the product on the table, and as soon as the cameras start rolling, the entrepreneur walks in, and the decisions we had to make were genuinely huge," she elaborated, highlighting the high-stakes nature of the show.
Series Line-Up and Broadcast Details
The new series features a refreshed panel following Sara Davies's departure. Regular Dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, and Steven Bartlett return, joined by various guest dragons like Jenna Meek throughout the run. Dragons' Den returns tonight, January 29, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer, offering viewers a chance to see Jenna's debut and the latest batch of entrepreneurial pitches.
