Energy drink start-up PerfectTed managed to garner interest from all five Dragons when two of its co-founders, Marisa Poster and Teddie Levenfiche, appeared on the BBC programme on 2 March.
The duo pitched their matcha green tea-powered canned energy drink – which launched into Tesco stores in February after already being listed in Holland & Barrett and Planet Organic – with an initial ask £50,000 for a 5% stake in the business to help with their goal of becoming a ‘household brand’.
Poster explained that she discovered matcha while studying at university in the US when too much coffee and energy drinks resulted in ‘jitters, crashes and exacerbated by anxiety symptoms’.
“We found a massive barrier for people switching to matcha was its umami flavour and the time it took to prepare,” explained Levenfiche. “So, when Marisa moved to London last year, we quit our jobs in finance and created an on-the-go solution – the UK’s first matcha-powered energy drinks flavoured with real fruit, so that everyone else could feel as amazing as we did. Our drinks will keep you energised for twice as long, improve your focus and give you the antioxidants you need to look as young as Steven [Bartlett].”
If there was ever a case study on how to come into the Den and knock it out of the park, you would absolutely epitomise that
After tasting the drinks, Dragon Sara Davies commented: “I categorically like all three of them … You’ve come in here with an absolutely brilliant product. You two are fantastic and I think if there was ever a case study on how to come into the Den and knock it out of the park, you would absolutely epitomise that.”
Following the pitch, four Dragons decided to offer all of the money for 10% of the business, while Deborah undercut with an offer of £50K for 7.5%. Finally, PerfectTed accepted £25K each from Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones for a total of 10% of the company.
Commenting on winning the investment, Poster says: “Being chosen to be featured on Dragons’ Den early into our journey as a business, and ultimately securing five offers, high-profile investment and mentorship is testament to the crucial need that PerfectTed fulfils.”
Adds Dragon Steven Bartlett: “I’m thrilled to support this incredible product and its visionary creators as they revolutionize the beverage industry with their unique blend of matcha and energy-boosting ingredients. PerfectTed is more than just a drink, it’s a symbol of what can be achieved with creativity, determination and a willingness to take risks. I am excited to see where this journey takes them and proud to be a part of their success story.”
