Vancouver entrepreneurs seeking financial backing and national TV exposure for their product or service will have the chance later this month to audition for Dragon's Den.
The popular CBC TV series, in which entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to some of Canada's sharpest investors, will hold auditions in Surrey January 29. The auditions will be held at the Sheraton Vancouver, Guilford Hotel. Auditions will be held later in other B.C. cities, including Vancouver in February.
Dragon's Den producers will hit the road later this week and travel across Canada looking for potential contestants.
Several B.C. businesses have profited from appearing on Dragon's Den. In some cases, it's the national exposure, not financing, that they find most valuable.
The founders of Shnarped, for example – a mobile app that connects fans with pro hockey players – made last season's finale.
They went on Dragon's Den seeking $100,000, ended up getting an offer of $250,000, but later turned it down, and ended up raising money from other sources, and benefited from the national TV exposure.
In addition to Surrey, auditions will be held in Nanaimo January 31, Victoria February 1, Kelowna February 19, Abbotsford February 21, and Vancouver February 22.
Would-be dragon slayers are encouraged to hone their pitches to five minutes or less. For more information, visit CBC's Dragon's Den website.
