The iconic BBC investment show Dragons' Den is preparing for its highly anticipated return to television screens next week, marking its first broadcast since the departure of fan-favourite Dragon Sara Davies. The new series promises a refreshed dynamic with several guest investors joining the established panel of regulars.
Fresh Faces Join the Den
While mainstay Dragons Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, and Steven Bartlett will all be returning to their familiar seats, viewers can expect to see a rotating cast of guest investors throughout the series. This new format introduces exciting personalities from diverse business backgrounds, offering entrepreneurs a wider range of expertise and investment perspectives.
Legendary Rapper Makes Entrepreneurial Debut
Among the most notable new additions is legendary British rapper Tinie Tempah, who will be making his debut appearance as a guest Dragon. The 37-year-old music star, best known for hits like "Written In The Stars," brings substantial entrepreneurial experience to the Den, having begun angel investing nearly a decade ago.
"I've been a fan of the show and the Dragons for over a decade," Tempah revealed. "I've been entrepreneurial from the start of my music career and began angel investing around 2016. When I was asked to be a guest Dragon, I simply couldn't refuse."
The rapper described his investment approach as "shrewd but empathetic," expressing particular interest in young founders whose journeys remind him of his own early career in music. His investment focus extends beyond entertainment to technology, health, food and beverage, and cryptocurrency sectors.
Football Icon Returns to the Panel
Football legend Gary Neville is set to make a welcome return to Dragons' Den, having previously impressed viewers with his investment acumen during earlier appearances. The former Manchester United and England defender, now a respected football commentator, drew parallels between his new television role and his sporting career.
"Walking out of the tunnel at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player was a thrilling feeling," Neville commented, "and this was an experience that came close to that feeling."
Beauty Industry Leaders Bring Expertise
The guest Dragon lineup also features prominent figures from the cosmetics and skincare industries. Jenna Meek, a respected cosmetics industry executive, and Susie Ma, the successful founder of skincare brand Tropic, will both be bringing their substantial business experience to the Den.
"I've loved Dragons' Den for years," Ma explained about her appointment. "To become a Dragon off the back of what I've built with Tropic was a real pinch-me moment. The show has always stood for belief - backing people with ideas, courage and ambition, and that really resonates with me."
Meek shared her own personal connection to the programme, recalling: "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."
Investment Philosophy and Criteria
Tinie Tempah provided detailed insight into his investment strategy, emphasising that he seeks businesses where he can "add significant value beyond capital." The rapper expressed particular interest in disruptive technology solutions for the music industry and consumer brands targeting younger generations.
"I'm hoping to find a young founder with a disruptive tech solution for the music industry, particularly around distribution or marketing, or a Gen Z / Gen Alpha–focused consumer brand," he revealed.
His investment criteria include businesses with healthy annual recurring revenue and ideas that are progressive, create access, and lower barriers to entry. Perhaps most importantly, Tempah emphasised the crucial role of the entrepreneur themselves, stating he looks for "charisma, resilience, and someone who has been strategic enough to put together a strong team."
Changing of the Guard
The new series marks the first without Sara Davies, who joined as the show's youngest ever female investor in 2019 and departed after the previous series. Davies has since moved to ITV, where she currently hosts the new daytime quiz show Time Is Money.
Her departure has created space for the rotating guest Dragon format, allowing the programme to showcase a broader range of investment expertise while maintaining its core panel of experienced investors.
Return Schedule
Dragons' Den makes its return to BBC One on Thursday, January 29 at 8pm, promising another season of high-stakes business pitches, dramatic negotiations, and potentially life-changing investments for Britain's aspiring entrepreneurs.
