Sunday night compulsive watching
I am a fan, I actually discovered the program when I lived in Japan where it originated from. The name there was Money Tigers, although I did not understand everything, I certainly got the gist and thought it was good program. It is a good format that has been replicated in quite a few countries around the world and known as Shark Tank in the U.S.
I watch most week and if I can't I record and will watch later. If I can't watch live, I miss out on the live tweeting, which is very much part of my enjoyment of sharing my observations with other watchers. I also retweet nuggets that I find good.
The jury is still out for me on the three new dragons who joined this series. I had heard of Touker Suleyman from his shirt company as I am a customer. I find him very greedy with equity. I am sure that I would go in business with him as asking for 50% of a business will only demotivate the business owner.
Neil Jenkins from Moonpig has yet to invest in any business and seems to be only there to criticise and keep his money. Hopefully he will invest before the end of the series otherwise what is the point of him being there.
I am sorry but I can't see the point of the Sarah Willingham in there. She has not really brought anything so far although she has invested in one business.
I miss James Caan, Duncan Bannatynes and Theo Paphitis. James Caan was, in my mind, the best Dragon. He brought a lot more analysis to The Den and also new ways of investing, which were quickly copied by the other Dragons. Duncan Bannatynes brought laughter and good humour in The Den. He could be cutting at time but I never found him rude with contestants. Theo Paphitis could be even more cutting at time but I always found him justified. He got on my nerves at time with is comments about Mrs P and his hard earned children's money.
I certainly do not miss that awful Hillary Devey, she reminded me far too much of Cruella Deville. Although not sure about Kelly Hoppen to start with, she certainly grew on me, I am curious as of why she only did one series.
The recurring Dragons Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden are currently my favourite. Although Peter can be very cutting at time would be ago of business partner. He also has the right contacts to get you in the High street. I could certainly work with Deborah as she is very straight talking and is always very fair with her assessments of potential investments.
I am still wondering how it is possible for any potential investees to turn up to a presentation in The Den without knowing their figures backward. It is clear that they will be questioned on figures so why not learn them and if you have troubles understanding figures, take somebody with you that can understand them. High valuation of a business that has yet to make money or any sales or profit is sure to rile The Dragons, so why go in there and pick the figure you may feel is right rather than the appropriate figures? Bonkers!
I guess I have to remember that this is a TV program that needs to be entertaining and therefore the producer does make editions decisions to ensure the entertainment value. Still it makes good TV and certainly brightens up my Sunday night.
About the Author: Thierry Bourret helps toy and gift companies to find overseas markets for their creations, founder of the Slow Toy Movement and proud father. Please visit my profile to connect with me on LinkedIn, on Twitter @thierryshead or have a look at what I do on my website
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