I have to give a massive congrats to John Kershaw from M14 industries, who took the previoulsy mentioned Bristlr app from niche dating to hosted matching platform (very much selling shovles during a goldrush). Yesterday he appeared on the BBC’s Dragons Den and struck a great deal with Peter and Nick for a reasonable percentage of the business.
Of course John had a viewing party with friends, investers and family. Its season 14 episode 15 if you are looking for it.
Top fun at the @BBCDragonsDen viewing party for @BristlrApp and @M14Industries. Good luck @wardrox! pic.twitter.com/hGGyhajvOy
— Drew Forsyth (@_drewforsyth) February 19, 2017
John’s written his thoughts up here.
Before Nick showed his hand, and it was looking like I might get investment from all five dragons simultaneously, I started to internally panic. This isn’t how this happens.
After all the Dragons had given their offers, I knew I’d have to go with Nick and Peter; they have the experience and if they’re not willing to share, I don’t have much choice.
And it’s at this point where an interesting thing happens: I forgot everyone’s names.
How the deal is done #dragonsden pic.twitter.com/gm51ha6R7g
— John 🌈 Kershaw (@wardrox) February 19, 2017
Certainly another great story for Manchester’s Startup community and the early investors who saw the potential of M14 industries early on. I personally was always impressed with John and although we sometimes disagreed about what should be next on the task list, its great to get the validation that it wasn’t just a silly app!