Conclusions
We concluded by asking how things have gone for Very PC since the Dragon’s Den episode was filmed earlier this year. “Since Dragon’s Den was filmed we’ve got the money we need without having to give away five percent of the company,” said Hopton. “Our new factory was opened a month ago by minister for the environment Hilary Benn and MP David Blunkett, both of whom openly praised us. I think Hilary Benn is worth ten Dragons.”
Hopton couldn’t deny that anyone who watched The Dragon’s Den last night would have concluded it went badly for him. However, he clearly believes in the old “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” maxim and appears to have no regrets about appearing on the show.
"I think Hilary Benn is worth ten Dragons."Very PC appears to be attempting a delicate balancing act between running a successful business and championing bio-ethics in the high-tech market. On one level you have to agree with the Dragons: when even the biggest companies struggle to make money from selling PCs, what hope does a start-up with an ethical agenda have?
But maybe that stance is exactly the type of differentiator a new entrant to this ultra competitive market needs to have a chance. It remains to be seen what effect last night’s programme will have on Very PC, but Hopton at least deserves respect for backing himself and his company in such a challenging format.
