Plantable children’s book company secures investment on national TV show

Willsow, creator of the first-ever plantable children’s book, is the latest business to pitch on Dragons’ Den. Willsow’s appearance will air on 20 May at 8pm on BBC One.

Tom and James entered the Den looking for £20,000 investment for a 10% share in their company, Willsow. After an intense pitch to the Dragons, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Tej Lalvani and Sara Davies, they secured a £20,000 investment for 15% of the business from Sara Davies. Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden were extremely keen to invest but asked for a higher percentage of the business. After some serious negotiation, Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden refused to reduce their asking percentage and the pair struck a deal with Sara Davies.

When asked about the future of Willsow, James said: “It’s going to be an all-encompassing brand that stands for sustainability, recycling and getting the most from our natural surroundings. We’ll have a huge range of books, how-to plant guides, gardening equipment and be the go-to business for parents who are looking for fun ways to get their kids out into the garden, learning about our environment and everything it has to offer.”

Tom, the founder of Willsow, said: “We’re incredibly proud to have created the world’s first plantable children’s book. Everything we do is completely sustainable, whether it be our renewable energy powered factory, or our natural cotton stitched books instead of toxic glue or harmful metal staples. It is amazing to continue my family’s legacy by running our 77-year-old printing firm and creating truly innovative products. We’re on a mission to educate future generations on all things sustainable. Willsow, where the end of the story is just the beginning.”