Now here’s an interesting opportunity. One day in a December entrepreneur and former BBC Dragons Den judge Doug Richard (pictured) will be interviewing very young startups who have web companies that think they could go big. Very big. But don’t go whipping out your NDA. You’re going to be filmed, potentially for a new TV show.
Doug emailed me to say: “I will be arranging an informal pitching morning and from that I will choose one company who will have the opportunity to spend the rest of the day with me reviewing their business plan in detail.” He will give them “all the assistance” he can to make the plan bullet proof and then introduce them to potential partners and funders. It might be added that Mr Richard has backed a few tech firms in the past, is the founder and chairman of Library House, and founder and vice-chairman of the Cambridge Angels network. He’s currently backing mobile startup Trutap, among others. So not exactly inexperienced.
The entire day will be filmed by the BBC but it will not air on television. At least yet. Why? Because it’s the pilot for a show, code-named “The Next Big Thing”. There is no date for this opportunity as yet but anyone interested should email thenextbigthing2008@gmail.com and mention that you heard this from TechCrunch UK. And I guess I may as well add that startups can also get in touch with TechCrunch, but alas we don’t have a TV station. Yet.
Thanks for the heads up Mike.
I’m not sure I’d want my ugly mug being put on the box but with my new project launching early next year this opportunity is too good to miss. So I’m in
Just for clarity sake, this day is a test of a concept. The morning will be spent with companies pitching and me interviewing the team. I will choose one of the companies for an in-depth session in the afternoon to review the plan in detail and receive mentoring and support from me. I commit to that company that I will try to introduce them into the people and relationships that will help them as best as possible. I won’t ask for anything in return.
The day will be filmed but it will never air on TV and it will be kept in confidence. Any company that participates will be eligible to participate in the show should it go ahead.
The filming day will be in December but the date hasn’t been chosen.
I need a description of the business idea and of the team sent to this email address. TheNextBigThing2008@gmail.com
Cheers
Doug Richard