"Why wouldn’t I help a young guy on his entrepreneurial venture"
At just 15, Shaye Bhattessa-Sharma made history on Dragons’ Den, securing an investment offer from Peter Jones.
His football-themed board game, Football Billionaire, captured the interest of one of the UK’s most successful entrepreneurs.
However, after a mutual decision, the deal did not go ahead.
Many would have seen this as a setback, but Shaye turned it into an opportunity.
We look at how Shaye’s Dragons’ Den setback led to an even bigger success.
A Pitch That Made History
Shaye entered Dragons’ Den in 2023 with his father, Raj, to present Football Billionaire.
The game allows players to trade goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, simulating the high-stakes world of football management.
His pitch impressed Peter Jones, who offered £50,000 for a 20% stake in the business.
It was a landmark moment, making Shaye the youngest contestant ever to secure an investment offer from the show.
But the following year and after a “mutual discussion”, they decided not to go ahead with the deal.
Despite deciding not to finalise the deal, this experience gave Shaye a platform to grow his business and attract further investment.
Partnering with a Billionaire
Following Dragons’ Den, Shaye found an even bigger backer in John Caudwell.
The Phones4U founder, who is worth £1.54 billion, saw potential in Football Billionaire.
John is known for his business acumen and philanthropic efforts, having signed the Giving Pledge in 2013 to donate most of his wealth to charity.
His partnership with Shaye means that 10% of the game’s sales go to charitable causes.
This move aligns the business with a purpose beyond profit, giving it a unique edge in the market.
Speaking about the partnership, Shaye said:
“The impression of billionaires is that they’re not always positive. But I know a lot of them give back. John has always been an inspiration.”
John added: “It struck a chord with me. Why wouldn’t I help a young guy on his entrepreneurial venture while promoting the charity at the same time? It was a no-brainer.”
Other Missed Opportunities
Peter Jones’ decision not to proceed with the investment may now seem like a missed opportunity.
However, he is not the only Dragon to pass on a business that later flourished.
Mark Wong, founder of Impossibrew, was rejected despite an “impeccable” pitch. The Dragons cited his lack of turnover as a risk.
Three years later, Impossibrew has grown exponentially.
The brand’s latest funding round raised over £1.5 million from 1,204 investors, surpassing its original goal. The company is now valued at £12 million, with more than a million cans sold in the past year.
Shaye’s journey follows a similar trajectory. While Dragons’ Den provided exposure, real success came from his ability to navigate the business world beyond the show.
His partnership with John Caudwell proves that persistence and strategic alliances can lead to greater opportunities than those initially offered.
The Future of Football Billionaire
With a billionaire investor on board and a growing market presence, Football Billionaire is poised for expansion.
The game appeals to football enthusiasts and young entrepreneurs alike.
Its combination of entertainment and education makes it a strong contender in the board game industry.
Now aged 17, Shaye’s ability to pivot and form high-level partnerships demonstrates business maturity beyond his years.
His story serves as an inspiration for young entrepreneurs looking to break into competitive markets.
Since collaborating with John, Shaye’s board game is quickly selling online and his business empire is worth over £2.5 million.
Shaye Bhattessa-Sharma’s journey proves that a setback is not the end of the road.
His initial success on Dragons’ Den opened doors, but his ability to adapt and secure new investment sets him apart.
Partnering with John Caudwell has taken Football Billionaire to new heights while supporting charitable causes.
As Football Billionaire continues to grow, Shaye’s entrepreneurial career is only just beginning.
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