Excitement and anticipation filled the frost-dusted venue at The Woodlands on Wednesday 20 November, as seven aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their business ideas to a panel of Dragons in hoping to secure up to £500 in funding.

Organised by Enterprise Bath, as part of the University’s Entrepreneurial Programmes, the Dragons' Den competition offers students an exceptional opportunity to turn their dreams into reality! Through this experience students are able to showcase their innovative ideas to a panel of industry experts, gaining valuable feedback, insight, and mentorship.

The atmosphere was charged with energy as a diverse group of students gathered at The Woodlands, eager to present their exciting start-up ideas. Not only did they meet like-minded individuals, but they also gained valuable feedback and advice from experienced business professionals. At the end of Round 1, four businesses were awarded their requested £500 from the Dragons', all University of Bath alumni, to help bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.

The winners

Luca Doff, Founder of Coensed:

I'm very happy right now, it all worked out! I think the benefit of this is just immeasurable, you just learn so much about the process of how to put together a business pitch, how you pitch it, the questions you may be asked.

Richard Klotins, Founder of Campus Compass:

It was really fun, they gave some really good feedback.

Maksymilian Sobolski and Alexander Evans Moncloa, Founders of Okak:

We were a bit nervous leaving but they gave us the full £500 to build a prototype which is what we wanted to do! It was just amazing, would recommend other students to do it, there's literally nothing to lose and you can gain a lot.

Blake Birch, Founder of Herbert’s:

It's great! I've learned a lot. I recommend other students to do it if you got any inkling of an idea.

As the winners begin to proceed onto their next steps in their entrepreneurial journey, Enterprise Bath will continue support and nurture students’ innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. We are excited for Round 2 of Dragons' Den pitching competition taking place in Spring 2025. In Round 2 students can win up to £5000 funding. Please get in touch if you’d like to take part: enterprise@bath.ac.uk.