A Watford entrepreneur scooped deals with Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett worth £60,000 on Dragons’ Den this evening (March 23).
Former Queens’ School and Bushey Meads student Caroline Sims impressed the dragons on BBC One with her plant-based skincare and health supplement brand Botanycl.
The new mum, who previously suffered with acne, said: “I had a chance to go into the Den in 2019 but I backed out as my anxiety was so bad, I was on medication for it. When I had a second chance, I forced myself to say yes.
“I had three days to prepare, drove to Manchester and had an anxiety attack when I got to the studio.
“I cried to the producers who were wonderful and kindly placed a stool in the Den to help with my nerves.”
The 32-year-old initially sought a £60,000 investment in return for a 10% equity share in Botanycl, but felt “amazing” after negotiating a deal with two dragons.
She received the £60,000 in exchange for a total 25% equity share (12.5% each), dropping to 20% if the duo get their money back in 18 months.
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“I still can’t believe I overcame my anxiety and fear of public speaking - whilst being two months pregnant - and left the Den with two dragons,” Caroline added.
Steven Bartlett said: “I think the brand is filling a gap in a large and mostly untapped market when it comes to treating the hormonal aspects of spot-prone skin.
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“It’s a narrative I think could do really well and so I want to support that, and help take Botanycl to the next level.”
After her pitch, which touched on the skin problems that had “wreaked havoc” on her confidence since she was a teenager, Peter Jones, Steven Bartlett, Sara Davis, and Touker Suleyman made offers.
Peter Jones added: “Botanycl has huge potential to become a really big business. My decision to invest is also based on wanting to work with her.
“The lengths Caroline has gone to to find a solution to her skin problem is inspiring, and the results look fantastic.
“It’s great to be part of the journey with her.”
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