Is this the most ridiculous Dragon's Den request yet?

Is this the most bizarre Dragon's Den suggestion yet?
Is this the most bizarre Dragon's Den suggestion yet?



When it comes to Dragon's Den there have been a few wacky suggestions and inventions over the years but there have also been a number of huge successes.

In the latest episode, which aired on the BBC on Sunday night, the same was true. While two budding fashion entrepreneurs walked away with investment promises from two of the Dragons, another hopeful businessman wasn't quite as lucky.

Rupert Evans, from Norwich, was asking the Dragons for £40,000 in return for 40% equity in his invention.

The 'Fold Ease' is described on the product's website as an 'affordable, versatile, paper folding and card folding tool which prevents paper cuts/friction burns and creates a neat, crisp fold'.

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That's right, it's a tool you put on the end of your finger to help you fold paper more easily.

While it was clear that the Dragons weren't necessarily that taken with the idea initially, Evans confidently ran through his pitch saying the patented invention 'speeds up folding and creates a really neat crease line'.

Nick Jenkins was quick to point out the attention to detail that has gone into the product, which has a space at the top leaving room for the users finger nail, he hailed the addition as 'genius'.

Evans suggested the tool might be ideal for those working as secretaries or admin roles, or even those in the paper crafting industry.

Peter Jones was, however, less keen on the idea, calling it 'ridiculous'.

Sadly for Rupert, none of the other Dragons saw an investment opportunity in the Fold Ease either and he was sent home empty handed.

Do the Dragons know best?

Past experience shows the Dragons haven't always necessarily been right.

Earlier this year we reported on the success of the Tangle Teezer - an invention that has done perfectly well on its own, without the Dragons' backing.

Shaun Pulfrey was turned down by the Dragons in 2007 when he asked for £80,000 in return for a 15% stake in the business.

Just last month the entrepreneur was on the verge of selling his company for a staggering £200 million.

Another success to have come out of the Den without an investment is the Trunki. Rob Law invented the ride-on suitcase for kids and took it to the Dragons in 2006.

Although he was offered a £100,000 investment in return for 50% of the company, he rejected it and by 2012 had sold more than 1.3 million of the suitcases around the world.

So, keep your (paper folding) fingers crossed for Rupert Evans, he might make a success of the Fold Ease yet!

If you want to see the full Dragon's Den episode from Sunday you can watch it on BBC iPlayer now.



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