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Dragons’ Den appearance cost me £20k

Published: April 9, 2026 at 12:24 pm

Author: Chris Maguire

An entrepreneur has estimated her appearance on Dragons’ Den cost her £20,000.

Danielle Close is the founder of Brighton-based My Skin Feels, a vegan skincare brand that ferments rescued organic food waste from the Italian food and drinks industry.

Her appearance in Dragons’ Den was screened in February and saw her secure a £50,000 investment from Deborah Meaden and Gary Neville, although she decided not to progress with either offer.

Close said her appearance in the Den has been transformational, but admitted it came at a cost of £20,000.

The breakdown included £3,600 in stock lost during the production process and £4,000 in extra staffing around the episode.

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