Pitching Investors The Good The Bad The Ugly

Filed in archive Business Loans and Financing on October 23, 2006

The Dragon's Den on CBC is a reality show where entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to 'Dragon's' (well heeled business owners) hoping to get them to invest in their ideas.

I found it pretty interesting but I had to remind myself that this is 'TV' and a reality show to boot. To survive the show must have entertainment value. I could not help but think that some the entrepreneurs who were selected to appear on the show were picked for their 'entertainment value'.

For example, an optician wanted $200,000 to establish dispensary specializing in eye wear for women. The Dragon's made short work of him and were able to get to admit that he has owned two eye wear retail stores, one of which specialized in eye wear for women - both failed - the Dragon's kicked him out.

In the interview that follows each pitch, he stated that "I wanted to pay back the people I owe money to." Was he expecting that he could use the investors $200,000 to pay off his debts? Hard to know.

The Dragon's Den Is Predictable

The director and producer lack imagination. In each of the shows I watched every entrepreneur gets their ass kicked except for the last one which is always successful in getting the money they asked for. The show is remarkably predictable and would have more of a sense of realism and entertaining if they kept us guessing.

That said, if you want to see some good examples of flawed business ideas, how to make a good pitch, and learn what not to do when making a presentation to an investor, watch and learn.

You can view the pitches online. You got to check them out online, they are too funny. Follow these links for Episode One, Episode Two, and Episode Three.