Following a two-year hiatus ShinAwil’s ‘Dragons' Den’ will return to RTÉ One for series seven in the 2016.
Richard Curran will return as presenter for the show, which will see entrepreneurs and inventors from around the country pitch investment ready ideas to five of Ireland’s top business leaders.
‘Dragons’ Den’ last aired in 2014 and since then the economic landscape in Ireland has changed quite dramatically, due in no little part to the role of small entrepreneurs. Credit and business risk analyst Vision-net reports that Ireland is finally turning a corner and getting back on its feet with 114 new businesses were started every day in August..
‘Dragons’ Den’ first aired in 2009 and since then the Dragons have heard over 360 pitches and invested in over 80 businesses with an investment figure of over €4 million.
Speaking about return of the series Ray McCarthy, Commissioning Editor, RTÉ television said: “We’re delighted to see the series returning to RTÉ One. Not only does ‘Dragons’ Den’ provide hugely engaging television viewing for Irish audiences but it also offers invaluable support for Irish entrepreneurs who have been key to the Irish economy’s recovery and RTÉ is committed to supporting emerging business ideas.”
CEO of ShinAwil, Larry Bass, said: “Dragons’ Den’ is one of the most robust television formats in the world and we are delighted to open the Den again for entries. As Ireland fights back against recession, ‘Dragons’ Den’ offers new entrepreneurs the opportunity to seek investment to power their ambitions. We want to see what type of business’s are now out looking for investment.”
Applications are now open for start-ups, current businesses looking to expand or people who feel they have a lucrative business idea.
Dragons’ Den will be broadcast in the Spring of 2016 and is produced by ShinAwiL for RTÉ.