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The Den

Applicant Overview

If you are interested in applying to pitch at The Den on 10th January 2026, please carefully read the below instructions to applicants. Once you are ready to complete your application, click the button to the Application Form at the bottom of the page.

 

​Step Into The Den

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The Den, as run by IPN&BA — is your chance to pitch your vision to seasoned entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.

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But this isn’t just about funding. It’s about:

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  • Showcasing your vision to people who can open doors

  • Receiving expert feedback to sharpen your strategy

  • Building connections that could become partnerships, mentors, or collaborators

  • Raising your profile among peers and industry leaders

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Whether you’re shaping an early idea or scaling a venture, this is your platform to be seen, heard, taken seriously and inspire others.

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💡The Dragons aren’t only looking for where you are today — they want to see your passion, purpose, and potential for tomorrow.

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Path to The Den: On-Demand Learning

 

The Path to The Den in person workshops have already taken place — but you can still watch them on demand and access the resources in the exclusive Resource Library.

 

These masterclasses are designed to help you refine your idea, strengthen your pitch, and build confidence before you step into the spotlight:

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  • Workshop 1: Business Blueprint

Led by Faisal Riyaz Jamal.

Get clarity on your goals, market, and strategy. Includes a Business Blueprint Template.

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  • Workshop 2: Pitch Like a Pro

Led by Farhan Lalji (VC specialist & LBS Teaching Fellow).

Learn to structure and deliver a powerful, memorable pitch. Includes a Pitch Deck Template.

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  • Workshop 3: Dragon-Proof Your Numbers

Led by Nazir Manji.

Build confidence in your financials — from metrics to cashflow. Includes a Financial Modelling Template.
 

All recordings and templates are available on The Den Resource Page so you can learn at your own pace and revisit key lessons as you prepare.

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The Journey to The Den

 

Here’s what to expect from application to pitch day:

 

  • Applications Open

Submit your written application via our online form below, showcasing your idea, progress, and ambitions.​

  • Application Deadline

All entries must be submitted by 28th November 2025.​

  • Shortlisting

A Panel of independent judges review all applications against the scoring rubric. Top finalists are selected.​

  • Finalist Announcement

Shortlisted applicants will be notified and given guidance on preparing their live pitch.​

  • The Pitch Event

0th January 2026, The Ismaili Centre, London. Finalists pitch to the Dragons and a live audience.​

  • Winners Revealed

Selected winners will be awarded mentorship and a bespoke business support package, designed around their specific needs.

 

💡Even if you’re not selected as a winner, you’ll gain exposure, feedback, and valuable connections to help you take the next step on your journey.​​​​​

⚠️ Important Note:

​Dragons are not expected or required to invest during or after the event. If, at their discretion, they wish to explore investment opportunities with a finalist, that would take place entirely outside the scope of The Den program, the UK National Council and/or related institutions and in their own personal capacity.

 

​​​The Pitch Experience

 

For those who make it through the written stage, the real spotlight awaits.

 

📅 Date:

10th January 2026


📍 Venue:

The Ismaili Centre, London

Finalists will deliver their pitches live to a panel of Dragons and an audience of peers and industry leaders.

 

🏆The Rewards:
 

  • Winners will receive mentorship from experienced leaders.

 

  • A bespoke business support package will be tailored to your needs — whether that’s funding guidance, marketing support, strategy mentoring, or introductions to the right people.​

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  • It’s not just about winning — every finalist gains visibility, valuable feedback, and the chance to forge powerful new connections.

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What the Dragons Are Looking For

 

Think of your application as your story. The Dragons will score you on the following sections:

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Section 1: Your Idea / Business

Elevator Pitch (Clarity & Impact)

  • Grab attention with a one-liner.

  • Keep it punchy and memorable.

  • Example: “We turn surplus bakery bread into delicious snacks, reducing food waste and promoting a circular economy”
     

Problem Solved (Relevance & Need)

  • What gap or frustration are you tackling?

  • Why does it matter now? Why should anyone care?
     

Uniqueness (Innovation & Differentiation)

  • What sets you apart from others?

  • What’s your “unfair advantage”?

 

Social Impact (Community & People)

  • How does your business create positive change for people or communities?
     

Sustainability (Environmental & Ethical Responsibility)

  • How are you embedding eco-friendly practices in your model?

 

Section 2: Your Progress

Traction (Evidence & Momentum)

  • Show proof of progress: prototypes, pilot users, revenue, partnerships, awards, press coverage.

  • If at an early stage, show signals of interest: waitlists, surveys, letters of intent.
     

Challenges (Resilience & Learning)

  • Share obstacles faced and how you adapted.

  • Dragons value grit, not just polished success stories.

 

Section 3: Your Pitch to the Dragons​

Support Sought (Fit & Focus)

  • Be specific — do you need investment, mentoring, introductions, exposure, or a mix?

 

 Investment (Realism & Use of Funds) (if relevant)

  • If asking for money, say how much and what for.

  • Break it down (e.g. 40% product, 30% marketing, 20% ops, 10% hiring).
     

12-Month Impact (Ambition & Growth)

  • Describe where you’ll be in one year with this support.

  • Use numbers: revenue, customers, jobs created, social/environmental outcomes.

 

Section 4: Additional Spark​

Why You Should Be Selected (Passion & Purpose) 

  • Why are you the right person, at the right time?

  • What makes you stand out: resilience, experience, drive, perspective?

  • Remember: Dragons back people as much as businesses.
     

Visuals or Prototypes (Storytelling & Communication)

  • Use visuals to bring your idea alive.

  • Could be product images, mock-ups, infographics, demo videos.

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Top Tips for Applicants

 

  • Be Concise – Clarity scores points.

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  • Be Evidence-Based – Use numbers, case studies, or testimonials.
     

  • Be Honest – Challenges and lessons matter.
     

  • Be Ambitious – Show where this opportunity could take you.
     

  • Use the Workshops On Demand – The Dragons know you have access. Use the templates and recordings to strengthen your pitch.

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  • Using AI in Your Application – It’s absolutely fine to use AI tools (like ChatGPT) to help draft, refine, or polish your pitch — just make sure the core idea is original and your own. AI can be a great tool for improving how you communicate your concept, but your creativity and vision should shine through.​​​​

⚠️Pro Tip:

​Every strong answer should hit at least two of the rubric criteria:

Clarity, Relevance, Innovation, Impact, Sustainability, Evidence, Resilience, Realism, Ambition.

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Final Word

 

This is your chance to step into The Den and show the Dragons what you’re made of. The upskilling workshops may have passed, but the knowledge, resources, and recordings are ready for you.

 

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Your idea.

Your moment.

Your pitch.

This is The Den

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​​​​​Note: Please apply using the online form by clicking the button above. This form cannot be saved once started and must be completed in one session. We recommend reviewing the questions in advance and drafting your answers in a separate document before pasting them into the form. A list of all of the questions can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

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