3. Dragons Den (BBC2)
The UK version of ABCS Shark Tank has invested in 110 concepts since its inception in 2005. Presented by the BBCs technology editor Evan Davis it allows entrepreneurs to pitch their items to several business tycoons. In their pitch they have to ask for a specific amount of money which one or more dragon has to provide, if they dont get all the money they dont get the investment. In exchange for investment the entrepreneurs are offered equity in their business. The investment could be for a food item, a clothing store, an invention or a service and event. Part is leaning about what they have to offer but the bigger part is watching the negotiation which includes a barrage of questions about profits and costings from the dragons, there is always a poor soul who hasnt done their research. Big money gets moved around here with £200,000 get invested at least once a series. There is the entertainment factor of having a misfit turn up with the wackiest ideas for the most useless invention but there is also an education side. If you want to start your own business they are worst shows to watch, its a good place to pick up tips about negotiations. There is a good camaraderie between dragons who seem to have more fun than the sharks on Shark Tank do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAiIN2pvNp8
For fans of: Shark Tank, The Apprentice