Dragons' Den is returning to screens tonight, with North East businesswoman Jenna Meek joining as a guest investor, making history in the process.
After Touker Suleyman and Sara Davies stepped down from the BBC programme, various guest Dragons, including Gary Neville and Tinie Tempah, have joined Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden in the Den.
Historic lineup in the Den
In new episodes airing from Thursday, August 20, Jenna Meek and Susie Ma both join as investors, meaning the number of female Dragons outnumbers the males for the first time ever.
The BBC previously teased: "A brand-new batch of ambitious entrepreneurs are facing a series first!"
"With female Dragons outnumbering the males for the first time there’s a powershift in the Den, as queens of commerce Susie Ma and Jenna Meek return to join Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden and Steven Bartlett."
Who is Jenna Meek?
Jenna is the co-founder and CEO of beauty brand REFY. Since launching in 2020, the company, which Jenna cofounded with influencer Jess Hunt, has become one of the fastest growing beauty brands in the UK, with annual turnover of over £40m.
Before REFY, Jenna worked at Burberry and Rebecca Minkoff, and founded festival beauty label Shrine from her bedroom when she was 20 years old.
The 33-year-old has made a name for herself in the industry, recognised in The Sunday Times beauty rich list, and in Forbes' 30 under 30 list in 2022. Jenna's net worth is estimated to be around £52m.
Jenna's motivation for joining
Discussing entering the den, Jenna previously said: "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."
"When it comes to the types of businesses I’m interested in, 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!"
Dragons' Den airs from 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
