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Dragons' Den Returns to BBC with Guest Dragon Jenna Meek
As the winter season of backstabbing concludes with the finale of The Traitors, business enthusiasts can rejoice as 'Business Thursdays' officially resume on the BBC. Tonight marks the triumphant return of Dragons' Den, the beloved investment show where aspiring entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel of seasoned investors.
With Sara Davies departing at the end of the last series, the dragons are welcoming a fresh face to the den. Jenna Meek, co-founder of the popular beauty brand Refy, joins as the first guest dragon of the new series. She will be alongside regulars Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett, and Touker Suleyman, forming a formidable panel ready to scrutinise innovative business proposals.
Four Entrepreneurs Pitch in the Den
The episode kicks off with four diverse entrepreneurs stepping into the den, each hoping to secure investment and mentorship from the dragons. From creative fashion accessories to practical self-defence training, the pitches showcase a wide range of business ideas.
Hatnspicy: Upcycled Party Headgear
First to face the dragons is Chloe Messer, founder of Hatnspicy, a maximalist accessories brand specialising in upcycled party hats. Launched in 2022, the brand focuses on slow fashion, transforming preloved hats and dead stock fabric into bold, statement headgear perfect for festivals and celebrations.
Hatnspicy claims that 80 percent of its products are made from upcycled materials, including thrifted hats and fabric offcuts. The product range includes playful items such as a mini spice hat priced at £120, a statement spice bag for £295, and a sporty spice cap at £275. Messer aims to convince the dragons that her vibrant creations are worth investing in.
Mosaic Journal: Monthly Photo Prints
Next up is London-based founder Murad Huseynov, who pitches Mosaic Journal, a subscription service designed to preserve digital memories in physical form. Launched in 2022, the service allows users to upload one photo per day via an app, with optional captions.
These photos are then printed as high-quality 4x4 inch prints and delivered monthly, intended to be placed in a dedicated album that holds a year's worth of memories. A subscription costs £9.99 per month, but a special Dragons' Den offer provides a free month of photos, a 365-day album, and free shipping for £29.99. The album is also available for purchase on Amazon.
The Original Teff-ly: Plant-Based Teff Milk
Co-founders Karmen Gadi and Yosef Brhane enter the den with The Original Teff-ly, a plant-based milk made from Ethiopian teff. This ancient, gluten-free grain is rich in protein, fibre, iron, and calcium, offering a slightly nutty flavour as an alternative to oat or almond milk.
Launched earlier this year, the product comes in four flavours: original (no added sugar), barista, vanilla, and chocolate. At the time of writing, the original and chocolate variants are sold out, but the barista and vanilla versions are available for £2.98 each. The founders hope to persuade the dragons to embrace teff as the next big trend in plant-based beverages.
Strike Back Self Defence: Empowerment Through Training
The final pitch comes from Solihull-based Gulshen Bano, founder of Strike Back Self Defence. Launched in 2024 after Bano experienced an assault while working as a pharmacist, the organisation aims to empower women and girls with practical self-defence skills.
Strike Back offers ladies-only and girls' classes, instructor training, corporate sessions, and an online course, all focused on real-world techniques rather than complex martial arts. Sessions are held at various venues across the UK, including Wolverhampton, Solihull, Norfolk, Cheshire, and Eastbourne, providing accessible training for those seeking confidence and safety.
What to Expect from the New Series
With Jenna Meek bringing her expertise from the beauty industry, this episode promises insightful critiques and potentially lucrative deals. The dragons, known for their tough questions and sharp business acumen, will evaluate each pitch based on market potential, scalability, and the entrepreneurs' passion.
Fans of the show can look forward to more episodes featuring guest dragons and a diverse array of business ideas, continuing the tradition of uncovering the next big success story. Whether it's fashion, technology, food, or social enterprise, Dragons' Den remains a pivotal platform for innovation in the UK.
