Dragons' Den has seen hundreds of applicants go on to be very successful after their stint on the show – whether they received investment or not.

The show ultimately helps support in catapulting businesses to a platform, but many have been turned away at the door.

READ MORE: BBC Dragons' Den viewers say same thing as Deborah Meaden grills 'petrified' candidate

Businesses including the likes of BrewDog, Trunki and Tangle Teezer were unable to get investment but still went on to be incredibly successful.

But for those who are lucky enough to get an investment from the dragons, it's a thrilling moment – but that doesn't mean the experience is exactly the same as what people would expect.

Entrepreneurs Richard and Fiona Jones pitched their creative concept, Beans Coffee Club to Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett.

The pair were "thrilled" to be part of a show they love watching, but it was a hard process to get on there.

Speaking to Daily Star, Richard and Fiona shared a personal insight into what went down when they appeared on the show.

Richard revealed that it wasn't the first time he had applied for the show – which has quite a long process – but he'd applied for multiple years in a row.

He said: "On the third time of applying we actually heard back from the producers, but then once we heard back it moves quite quickly.

"We had a telephone conversation with them. In fact, they called out of the blue and just had a quick conversation and put us through a digital application because it was Covid, so we needed to film us doing our pitch.

"We sent a three minute video of us talking about Beans Coffee Club and then it moved quickly after that. Two or three weeks later they asked us to join a Zoom call with the production team – then they invited us on the show."

Richard added: "It was a really long time to hear back from them, but then it moves really fast."

The pair also explained that there's a hidden perk in taking part in the show.

Fiona said: "Everybody we spoke to said it was a fabulous opportunity. Even the people who weren't successful, they said they saw an increase in awareness, sales and opportunities that have come just from being on the show.

"We were excited to try and make the most out of it, but there weren't any reservations really. It was just the stress about actually filming it."

Speaking on how it "really" works, they said they couldn't believe how many hidden cameras there were .

Richard said: "When you're in there, you don't see any of the cameras. There are all the cameras on the outside but when we were watching it they had so many different details I was surprised. You just don't see them in there at all."

The pair also explained that they really liked Steven because he is in the digital world and the advice he provided was exactly what the duo needed.

However one Dragon did shock them as Deborah "surprised" the pair after always appearing "fierce and intense" on-screen.

After the filming takes place, contestants are then briefly able to meet the Dragons outside of the boardroom.

They said: "Deborah was really lovely when we met her afterwards. You get a couple of minutes where you can say hello and they'll say 'well done', but it's fleeting."

The pair were in the episode which aired on March 16, and luckily they were able to get the investment in their business.

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