Dragons’ Den cast brought to tears after an emotional pitch for £50,000 | Personal Finance | Finance
Will Chew entered the Den in 2019 seeking £50,000 for 20 percent of his condiment company. His business, Mak Tok’s Authentic Chilli Pastes sold a range of chilli pastes that he aimed to sell all over the world.
He “nicked” the recipe from his mum after missing her cooking whilst he was abroad for his studies.
His mum sent him ingredients to make his own sauce and he later turned it into a business with the help of his cousin.
He explained to the Dragons’ that he was selling the paste at local farm shops and deli’s across Yorkshire.
At that time he had managed to sell over 8,000 units of the product.
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When asked about his sales, Will could not give the Dragons’ an answer off the top of his head.
He explained that he suffers from social anxiety and needs people to help him.
He entered the Den wanting a Dragons’ expertise and contacts as he finds it hard to pitch the product to people himself.
The entrepreneur said: “I suffer from social anxiety so I’m not the best person to go out there and talk to people and I’m not great at phoning up people, I get really scared to do that.
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“I just, I love you and I really want to make this work with you.”
In tears, she continued: “I just think someone needs to give you that break.”
Her kind words brought Will to tears and fellow Dragon Touker who was wiping his eyes.
Sara offered Will the full £50,000 in return for a third of the business. This was 13 percent higher than what he came in looking for.
Overcome with happiness, he said: “I started my business because of my mum, and she’s always been behind me all the way.
“And without her support and everyone else that’s behind me, I wouldn’t be here today talking to you guys.”
Episodes of Dragons’ Den are available on BBC iPlayer.
