Moonpig founder and former Dragons’ Den investor Nick Jenkins will meet aspiring entrepreneurs in Wiltshire next month as part of a live investment pitching event.
Jenkins will join the panel for a Dragons’ Den-style session at the West Wilts Business Expo in Trowbridge on October 8, where early-stage founders will be invited to present their businesses in front of a live audience.
The entrepreneur founded Moonpig in 1999 after previously working as a commodity trader in Moscow.
The online greetings card and gifting business went on to reach five million customers before being sold in 2011 for £120 million. Moonpig later floated on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 with a valuation of £1.2 billion.
Jenkins subsequently became an investor on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, giving him experience on both sides of the investment conversation.
The Trowbridge event will give founders the opportunity to practise pitching, test their business plans and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs before approaching potential investors.
Mr Jenkins said: “I am very excited to be helping Wiltshire businesses on their journey.
“The Dragons’ Den is a great opportunity for the founders of Wiltshire businesses to fine tune their business pitches and get ready for their first investments.”
Jenkins will be joined on the panel by Furniturebox co-founder Monty George.
George launched the online furniture retailer with Dan Beckles in 2015 while still at school.
The Wiltshire-based company has since grown to a turnover of more than £25 million and recently opened a £3 million distribution centre in Chippenham. George has also been named in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
Mr George said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the Dragons’ Den panel at the West Wiltshire Business Expo.
“Having started Furniturebox at 17, I understand first-hand many of the challenges young entrepreneurs face when building a business.,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to sharing some of the experiences and lessons I’ve learned along the way and to hopefully offering some useful advice to those taking their own ideas forward.”
Young entrepreneurs interested in taking part can request an application form by emailing dragons@trowbridgechamber.com.
The West Wilts Business Expo is organised by Trowbridge Chamber CIC in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses.
