In its ninth consecutive year, and back to face-to-face, the Taming the Dragons event took place at the Lincoln International Business School at the University of Lincoln.
Four businesses pitched their ideas and plans to a panel of four ‘Dragons’, hoping to snap up a business investment deal. Lincolnshire Investment Network, part of the Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub, teamed up with Streets Chartered Accountants, Wilkin Chapman Solicitors, Lincolnshire Business Angels, British Business Bank and NatWest Business to deliver the highly-anticipated business event in front of a live audience.
The showcase evening began with Russell Copley from Lincolnshire Investment Network, introducing the four ‘Dragons’ to the room – Neil Everatt, Rich Harley, Matt Russell and Laura Mallaburn. It was then time for the businesses to stand before the audience.
Pitching first was Tayo Oyebanji with his business Gratifly. Gratifly are developing an innovative beauty app, Pamper App, that seeks to link those seeking beauty and hair treatments with specialist providers. Tayo described his app as “the Booking.com of the hair and beauty maket”. The Dragons were impressed by Tayo’s enthusiastic pitch, and his team’s understanding of the market and the sales potential.
The second pitch came from Matthew McSharry, whose business Trade Secrets International Ltd have developed a clever solution for the building industry significantly reducing the need for remedying first fix electrical problems, so saving builders and home buyers time and money. With a patent applied for, the business model is to manufacture a number of demonstration units for use in the market, and then to licence the solution to a number of large manufacturers within the construction sector.
The third pitch was Luke Smith from Seaweed Culture. Seaweed Culture is a new business, with a novel approach to onshore, vertical farming of a special type of green seaweed. This seaweed has been shown, when used as part of a bovine diet, to significantly reduce the production of methane gas – harmful to the environment, and a key topic for the recent COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow.
The closing pitch came from Stephen Clark, Co-Founder and Managing Director who is bringing a leisure new concept to Lincoln City in the form of Virtually Golf. The business uses professional level golf simulation technology, coupled with traditional golf clubs and balls, into an entertainment based indoor venue. With the first such centre opening shortly in Lincoln, the business is seeking funding to support expansion, both in numbers and in offering – including the development of Virtually Golf Academies.
Whilst the Dragons deliberated the merits of the 4 pitches, the audience were then treated to an enlightening presentation from last year’s winner, Andrew Stacey, whose business, Avgo Biotech Ltd, has made great developmental progress and now has investment offers from potential trade investors.
As they returned to the pitching room, the Dragons declared Luke Smith from Seaweed Culture to be the winner on the night and to be awarded the cash prize of £1,000. They applauded his passion, commitment, drive and determination.
Neil Everatt, returning Dragon, said “what an honour to be invited to this event! Once again, Taming the Dragons was hugely successful, showcasing some brilliant, innovative ideas from Lincolnshire”
Richard Harley, one of the new Dragons commented “I really enjoyed the breadth and variety of investments on offer. Certainly given me something to think about!”
James Pinchbeck from Streets, a regular supporter of the event, said “Yet again, this has been a fantastic event. It’s great to see such exciting businesses pitch, and the Dragons’ questions were really insightful. It’s also great to see so many people back out, supporting this event and meeting face-to-face”.
This year’s winner, Andrew Stacey, said “it was nice to re-connect and to be able to showcase what we’ve learned from last year and how far we’ve come.”
Russell Copley, leading the event, said “I am delighted with the quality and variety of pitches and very grateful to the panel for their questioning, insight and support. I very much look forward to hearing how our pitchers develop in the next few months!”
The Taming the Dragons event is held on an annual basis but if you are interested in other events for small businesses held throughout the year please contact here.
