BBC Dragon’s make record 300% profit on £250k investment…or did they?

In November 2006, Gavin Wheeldon, a Yorkshire Entrepreneur climbed the steep steps for his opportunity to prise an investment from the Dragon’s claws. On that day the Dragons failed to invest in the Translation Company, Applied Language Solutions. Gavin Wheeldon was denied investment after giving a bold pitch asking for £250,000 to invest in global expansion, in return for just 4% of the business; the lowest ever known on Dragon’s Den. Gavin said, “I’m not a man afraid to take risks, but facing the Dragons was at times intimidating, particularly as I was only offering a 4% share in

the company. I was in the den for a total of 90 minutes but I managed to negotiate my way through the tough questions by focusing on the massive growth Applied Language has enjoyed.”

The Dragons did not deny they were impressed with Gavin’s entrepreneurial skills. Theo Paphitis described Gavin as an “intelligent and very capable” man and Duncan Bannatyne was also very impressed. He saw a very risky but money-making investment opportunity. Impressed with Gavin’s business acumen and cheeky sales attitude, Duncan made him an offer on the proviso Richard Farleigh would match it but Richard Farleigh decided it wasn’t for him. Richard was distinctively shocked at the offer and told Gavin he was running a “Copycat business in a super competitive Industry” and, in their eyes, he had greatly overvalued his company.”

A year on from filming and despite not securing investment, Gavin’s business has enjoyed phenomenal success. Several venture capitalists have approached Gavin Wheeldon eager to invest. The latest offer has been, $12million in exchange for a 25% share in the Translation Company valuing Applied Language Solutions at an incredible $48 million. This figure is far removed from the £6 million Gavin valued it at on the BBC2 programme. Just one year on and had they chosen to invest, the Dragons would have made a phenomenal 300% profit. “The recent success we have achieved is testament to our hard work as a company. With the new venture capitalist valuing the company at £25 million I am sure the Dragons will be deeply regretful. They have clearly missed out on a fantastic investment opportunity.”

Applied Language Solutions success has come from winning major contracts for Yahoo, Dell, Google, Nike, United Nations and 60 NHS Bodies. Expansion has been seen in all areas of the business with the addition of over 30 staff. What's more, unlike many entrepreneurs that appeared before him, Gavin Wheeldon has stayed true to the pitch. Throughout the last year the Company has now opened two new offices in Asia situated in India and China and a new office in Chicago, USA. They also plan to open an additional Asian office in Singapore early next year.