Dragons' Den Entrepreneur Speaks Out Over "Disingenuous" Investment Process
A businesswoman who appeared on the hit BBC programme Dragons' Den has launched a stinging critique of the show's practices, claiming that promised investments are frequently abandoned after filming concludes. Charlotte Clemence, founder of outdoor art company YardArt UK, described her treatment as "outrageous" and "cavalier", questioning the programme's integrity as a new series prepares to air.
Emotional Pitch Followed by Investment Withdrawal
Clemence, 50, from Bishop's Stortford in Hertfordshire, appeared on the programme eighteen months ago with a business inspired by profound personal tragedy. During her emotional pitch, she revealed that she established YardArt UK following the death of her baby daughter, Fleur, who passed away from a rare heart condition in 2011. The Dragons expressed sympathy during filming, with viewers subsequently told that both Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett had agreed to invest.
However, neither investment materialised in the months following recording. Clemence claims she was "ghosted" by the Dragons' teams and left in financial and emotional limbo, despite initial assurances and on-screen celebrations. "When people see the Dragons agreeing to invest on TV they assume it's a 'done deal'," she explained. "It's not. Days, weeks and even months afterwards they can suddenly pull out - but the viewers are never told that."
Production Process Under Scrutiny
Clemence maintains that while she understood Dragons could withdraw after due diligence, the communication breakdown and handling of the situation demonstrated a lack of duty of care. She met with Sara Davies after filming, where the Dragon reportedly promised to make her "very successful" and acknowledged the challenges of being a working mother in business. Despite this, Clemence states she never heard from Davies again.
When she eventually spoke with Steven Bartlett, she was told the programme was "primarily entertainment." This revelation has led Clemence to question how the show represents business reality to its audience. "I think the show is disingenuous," she stated. "The viewers are being misled. It's appalling."
Business Success Despite Setbacks
Remarkably, YardArt UK has flourished despite the investment disappointments. Clemence attributes her business inspiration to her daughter Fleur, describing how art became therapeutic after her loss and eventually evolved into a commercial venture. "Something good had came out of something that was really sad and tragic for our family," she reflected.
The entrepreneur remains troubled by public perception, noting that parents at her children's school still believe she secured Dragon investment. "It's not true and I feel let down," she admitted, while emphasising that her criticism is directed at the production process rather than the BBC itself, which she praised for their attention to her wellbeing.
Official Responses and Industry Practice
A Dragons' Den spokesperson defended the programme's processes, stating: "Dragons' Den is a well-established TV programme about real business and investments, and we are proud of the many successful deals and upward trajectory of businesses after their time in the Den." They acknowledged that "deals can fall through" after due diligence, which they described as "customary" and "rigorous."
Representatives for both Dragons involved provided statements expressing regret while explaining standard procedures. Sara Davies commented: "With every pledge we make in the Den, after the show finishes, due diligence is carried out for all parties – as they always are in business." A source close to Steven Bartlett noted his team provided free advice and support to YardArt UK despite the investment not proceeding.
Clemence has requested that her fee for discussing this experience be donated to EACH, the East Anglian Children's Hospices, maintaining a connection to the charitable causes close to her family's experience.
