The newest series of Dragons’ Den kicks off on January 9 (Image: BBC/Simon Pantling)
first aired on BBC Two in 2005, giving budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ideas to some of Britain’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Throughout the years, the reality series has become a staple on screens, and its contribution has successfully helped many businesses take off today.
However, it wouldn’t be possible without its multi-millionaire investors who are convinced to part with their hard-earned cash.
This includes Peter Jones, who is reportedly worth a staggering £1.157 billion after starting his first business aged 16.
He then ventured into other businesses such as a cocktail bar, an online retailer specialising in the sale of wine and champagne, and a specialist recruitment business.
Today, Peter now lives in Buckinghamshire, with his partner and five children, having previously owned homes in The Algarve and Beverly Hills.
Touker Suleyman
Touker Suleyman has the second highest net worth (Image: BBC Studios/Simon Pantling)
Touker Suleyman moved to England in 1958 and attended school in Peckham.
When he was just 10, he suffered a severe infection that left him at risk of losing his left hand.
Touker made his millions during the early 1980s after starting his own fashion business and eventually supplied high-street brands including Marks & Spencer.
He then went on to acquire a series of major clothes retail businesses such as Hawes & Curtis, which his company Low Profile Group purchased for just £1.
The 71-year-old bought fashion brand Ghost in 2008 and invested in start-up companies including Bikesoup.
As a result, the Cypriot, who has been on Dragon’s Den since 2015, comes in second place with a reported second-highest net worth of £200 million.
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Steven Bartlett
Steven Bartlett has an estimated net worth of £71 million (Image: BBC Studios/Simon Pantling)
Steven, who is just 32 years old, is said to have an impressive net worth of £71 million, making him the youngest entrepreneur on Dragon’s Den after joining in 2022.
After dropping out of Manchester Metropolitan University at 22, he created his social media marketing business, Social Chain in 2014.
He rose to fame through his podcast, Diary of a CEO, which he started in 2017. Since then, he has had an influx of influential guests, including experts and celebrities.
In 2024, Spotify Wrapped ranked it in the top 5 most popular podcasts globally.
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Deborah Meaden
Deborah Meaden joined Dragons’ Den in 2006 (Image: BBC)
Born in Somerset, Deborah got her start in business after moving to Italy at just 19 years old.
She founded a company importing glass and ceramics, supplying stores like Harvey Nichols, but unfortunately, it didn’t succeed after 18 months. However, Deborah didn’t abandon her business ambitions.
The 65-year-old went on to set up one of the first Stefanel’s in the UK – an Italian clothing company – before running a Prize Bingo game at Butlin’s.
Later, she joined her family’s business, Weststar Holidays, eventually rising to the position of CEO. In 1999, Deborah acquired a majority stake in the company through a management buyout, later selling the firm for £33m while retaining a 23 percent share, which she sold in 2007 when Weststar was purchased for £83m.
She then bought woollen cloth manufacturers Fox Brothers and transitioned into a full-time investor. Over the years, Deborah has invested in businesses such as Yee Kwan Ice Cream, Marxman, and Boot Buddy on the show.
One of her most successful investments was Magic Whiteboard in 2006. She partnered with Theo Paphitis to invest £100k for a 40 percent stake in the company, which reportedly became their most profitable deal.
Now used in schools nationwide, the owners repurchased Deborah and Theo’s shares for a staggering £800k in 2014, eight times their initial investment.
Her estimated net worth is believed to be £50 million.
Sara Davies
Sara Davies is thought to be worth £37 million. (Image: BBC Studios)
Sara Davies is thought to be worth £37 million.
She joined the show as a Dragon in 2019 at the age of 35. Sara founded Crafter’s Companion, a retail business specialising in crafting from her university bedroom in York.
Identifying a gap in the market for an envelope-making tool for card makers, Sara invented one called The Envelope with the help of her engineer father.
The product was a hit among crafters, selling thousands of units. By the time she graduated, her fledgeling business had already generated £500k in revenue.
Some of Sara’s most successful investments include Mak Tok’s Malaysian Chilli Paste, Pipe Easy cutting tool, and Shower Gem, a bathroom storage solution.
The 39-year-old’s business is thriving nearly two decades on, generating an annual revenue of £34 million and providing her with a highly comfortable income.