James was thrilled to have been invited to take his seat on the show two years ago. Throughout this period, he has met some truly amazing individuals; both in front and behind the cameras.
Over the duration of the programme, James and his fellow fire-breathing counterparts have witnessed a huge volume of both investable and non-investable opportunities pass in front of their eyes.
James feels that, in all cases, Dragons’ Den which is now entering its seventh successful series has been a great catalyst for business prosperity. “It helps to stimulate those who may have a great idea” he said. “It also highlights that, with the right passion and a clear execution strategy, you can be successful… regardless of age, colour or creed.”
James
Since first appearing in 2007 James has invested in £906,666.66 in 14 businesses
James was thrilled to have been invited to take his seat on the show in 2007. Throughout this period, he has met some truly amazing individuals; both in front and behind the cameras.
Over the duration of the programme, James and his fellow fire-breathing counterparts have witnessed a huge volume of both investable and non-investable opportunities pass in front of their eyes.
Dragons’ Den hit our screens in 2005 with the original line up of Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Peter Jones, Doug Richard and Simon Woodroffe. The second series saw Simon Woodroffe being replaced with Theo Paphitas the retail magnate. The third series saw a change in the panel again when Richard Farleigh and Deborah Meaden replaced Doug Richard and Rachel Elnaugh. It was then in series five that we saw James join the panel as a replacement for Richard Farleigh. James has now been on the panel for 3 years.
James feels that, in all cases, Dragons’ Den which is now entering its eighth successful series has been a great catalyst for business prosperity. “It helps to stimulate those who may have a great idea” he said. “It also highlights that, with the right passion and a clear execution strategy, you can be successful… regardless of age, colour or creed
Q&A
Name: James Caan
Family: Married with two daughters
Describe yourself: Calm, focused, passionate
Vehicles owned: Rolls Royce Phantom, Maybach, Aston Martin Volante, Range Rover.
Property owned: Various and always in flux, but my home is in North London and I have an apartment in Cannes
Most outrageous purchase: My yacht
One thing I always spend the extra on: Holidays - you always need to recharge.
Best job I've had: Working for myself
Worst job I’ve had: When I took a sabbatical I almost died of boredom!
Favourite film: The Godfather
Favourite holiday destination: Cannes
Favourite sport, team and player: I'm not particularly sporty, but I admire Roger Federer's ultimate professionalism and his focus, and I did enjoy Shahid Afridi's amazing exploits at the 20/20 Cricket World Cup.
Favourite pitch: There's one on the new series I particularly like, but you'll have to wait and see.
Best investment: The one that got away: Always something we Dragons like to discuss - possibly the non-tangle hairbrush?
Things that interest me: Passion, Yachting, Art, Business, Education
Best advice you've been given: It is your Attitude and Aptitude that determine Altitude
People you admire: Bob Geldof for his passion, Bill Gates for his commitment to humanity, Lance Armstrong for his courage.
Your motto would be: Observe the masses and do the opposite
Den Tips
1.For impressing in an interview / pitch
Dress appropriately - simple but true
Be concise and focused
Make sure the pitch is of mutual benefit and that you can clearly describe that
Know your numbers
2. For running your own business
In one phrase - the devil is in the detail
3. For surviving the recession
With change comes opportunity - seize it when you see it
4. For getting your product to market
Get it OUT THERE - be seen to be sold
Don't take no for an answer
Communicate face to face and over the phone - don't hide behind a computer
5. For winning investment
Know your numbers
Know your market
Know your product
Know your competition
6. For making millions
Unfortunately there is no secret recipe - great businesses are 5% concept, 95% execution- so believe me, there is no substitute for hard work, I'm sorry to say.
