In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to close a deal with one of the biggest investors in the UK, from the moment the cameras stop rolling to the final signature.

Our guest walks us through the entire journey of negotiating with Steven Bartlett after appearing on Dragons Den, revealing why it took nearly a year to sign the deal that aired in a matter of minutes. We discuss the reality of managing investor relationships, why valuations become impossible to pin down when you're doubling month on month, and how monumental milestones kept shifting the goalposts during negotiations.

They explain why Stephen isn't the kind of investor who grills every number but instead focuses on brand and storytelling, how the dynamic changes when you're suddenly managing someone else's money, and why accountability forces a business to grow up fast. We explore the difference between cutting corners as a scrappy startup and doing everything to regulation when you have an investor on board, why contracts need to be watertight, and how compromise is the foundation of any successful partnership.

We also break down the reality of fundraising, from legal due diligence to financial and technical DD, why it takes far longer than anyone expects, and how to navigate difficult conversations without letting tension destroy the relationship. They share why every negotiation has its ups and downs, how to stay aligned when valuations are constantly shifting, and why finding the deal that works for everyone is about pulling different levers until you get there.

If you're raising capital, negotiating with investors, or trying to understand what happens after the handshake moment on TV, this episode will give you the unfiltered truth about what it really takes to close a deal and build a genuine partnership.

Hear more from the Hosts:
Jack https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-frimston-5010177b/?originalSubdomain=uk
Zac https://www.linkedin.com/in/zac-thompson-33a9a39b/

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