Page 353 - James Caan - The Real Deal

Chapter 34

Getting the Most

out of the Den

(2007–present)

‘ We’re not just looking to put money into new businesses; in

a few years’ time we also want to be taking our money out
again – with profits. ’

have a lot of admiration for Peter Moule. He had watched
I Dragons’ Den and knew what we would need to see to take him
seriously. He did his research. He also recognised that a Dragon
doesn’t just offer money, and that’s really why we are worth giving
meaningful equity stakes to. If you are prepared to give away 25
per cent for our money, I think you should be willing to give away
another 25 per cent for our contacts and know-how, but so many
people come into the Den and walk away from a deal because they
want to hold on to their equity. Without investment in the Den,
many businesses fold, and what many entrepreneurs fail to realise
is that owning 100 per cent of nothing is still nothing.
Coming into the Den must have been about the best day’s work
of Peter’s career. These days, his job basically involves placing

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