Dragons’ Den success sees Mother Root sales soar 2,000%
Alcohol-free apéritif Mother Root has secured investment from entrepreneur Steven Bartlett after appearing on BBC show Dragons’ Den.
During the episode, which aired on 2 October, founder Bethan Higson and chief operating officer Alice Galsworthy pitched Mother Root to the panel of investors, known as The Dragons: Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett.
The duo presented their vision for Mother Root – an all-natural apéritif crafted with four benefit-rich ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, which is designed to deliver the same ‘flavour punch and slow-sip satisfaction’ as an alcoholic drink.
The duo pitched a £60,000 (US$80,561) investment for a 2% stake in the business. The Dragons were given the chance to taste test the brand’s hero Ginger flavour, which was met with positive reviews, and some fierce negotiations followed.
Three offers from The Dragons were put on the table but, in the end, the pair accepted Bartlett’s offer of £90,000 (US$120,842) for 5% of the business.
“For any business owner, an opportunity like this almost feels surreal,” commented Higson. “Appearing on the show was an amazing experience and provided an incredible platform for us to not only gain national exposure, but share our story directly with some of the UK’s most inspiring business leaders.
“Mother Root is on a mission to redefine what it means to drink well and feel good. We want Mother Root to be everyone’s favourite end-of-the-day ritual – one that’s full of flavour. We’re huge fans of the show and can’t wait for the episode to air!”
The Dragons’ Den appearance followed the end of a wider fundraising round in which the business raised £1.1 million (US$1.48m) at a pre-money valuation of £8m (US$10.74m).
Galsworthy added: ‘’Being part of this journey alongside Bethan and sharing our vision on national television has been a real milestone for Mother Root. I first discovered Mother Root as a customer and quickly became a fan – so when the opportunity came to join the business, it felt like a natural step.
“Going from brand advocate to business leader has been incredibly rewarding. We’re building something with real purpose: a new way of drinking that’s rooted in flavour, ritual and feeling good – without compromise.”
On the day after the episode aired, the brand witnessed an uplift of more than 2,000% in sales of its signature Ginger apéritif, which also launched in Sainsbury’s on Friday (3 October).
In June, Mother Root unveiled a limited edition rhubarb expression.
To watch Mother Root on Dragons’ Den, click below.
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