Dragons' Den One Year On
Posted: Mon, Feb 5, 2018 11:10 AM
Angela Sterling, Lingotot founder, appeared in the formidable Dragons' Den a year ago pitching for £50,000 investment for 10% of her childrens’ language franchise business, Lingotot. Angela entered the Den supported by Franchisee Amy Gumbrell of Lingotot Kirklees and a team of Lingotot students who sang to the Dragons in four different languages.
Lingotot teaches more than 12,000 children each week through a rapidly growing network of over 100 franchisees and tutors in the UK. Lingotot is the only provider to offer fully accredited language courses in primary schools and teaches French, Spanish, Mandarin, German and Arabic to children aged 0-11.
In the episode last year, the dragons did not share Angela’s optimism for international expansion and instead encouraged her to continue to grow the successful UK franchise model.
In the last year Angela has indeed taken Lingotot to Dubai, launching a dedicated middle-east operation working with some of the country’s top international school chains.
The new UAE business has even been named a finalist in the prestigious Dubai-based GESS awards (Global Educational Supplies & Solutions).
Angela said: “The Dragons' Den is an experience I will never forget; it was terrifying and emotional yet hugely worthwhile.
In some ways I have gone against their advice when it comes to international expansion plans but I am thrilled that Lingotot has already been identified as an excellent educational provider across the Middle East despite only being in business for a short time”
The business continues to go from strength to strength here in the UK too with franchisee numbers growing by 35% in the last year and Lingotot being named Family Friendly Franchise in the Working Mums awards.
#Lingotot #Dragons' Den #BBC2
Rachel
Mon, Feb 5, 2018 1:44 PM
Where has that year gone?! So pleased things are going well in Dubai :) xreply
Roaid
Sun, Feb 11, 2018 2:10 PM
Well done. How much is the business generating in Dubai ?reply
terry
Sat, Dec 1, 2018 10:10 AM
hi angela just watched the dragons dens episode. just shows you business is money and not interested wether its helpful and educational.i just knew after watching the episode you would go from strength to strength as you've had some advertising on dragons den and it shows how fantastic of an idea it actually is.all the best.terryreply
Theresa White
Mon, Apr 15, 2019 10:12 AM
I dont have a TV but watched the relevant episode on YOUTUBE. Angela you were so passionate and inspirational. it is a credit to you that you followed your instincts. congratulations on conceiving this idea and its success. So happy for you and all your accolades and expansion. congratulations. Its never a bad thing to be emotional as you had invested so much in your vision!reply
Angela
What lovely comments everyone, thank you so much!Tom Bartram
Fri, Sep 20, 2019 10:02 PM
Came here straight from watching the episode on YouTube. Really pleased it's still operational and going well. Pleased you went to Dubai. The dragons may know business but dont understand education the way you do. Keep up the good work :)reply
Lynn Cowan
Sun, Oct 13, 2019 7:46 PM
I thought you were brilliant on dragons den, very genuine and passionate. When I heard you say you were in talks with 60 schools in Dubai, wow! Peter didn't let you finish the sentence. Look at your success now. Congratulations, hope it goes from strength to strength.reply
Ameer
Mon, Mar 15, 2021 9:25 PM
Hi Angela You're a brave lady and really inspirational. I am so happy you did well in Dubai. I am from Karachi, Pakistan and I love to see you in our City for a franchise partnership. Thanks Ameerreply
Evan
Wed, Jul 21, 2021 11:55 AM
I was there holding the German flag pretty coolreply
Evan de-Pol
Thu, Jul 22, 2021 11:44 AM
I was there holding the german flag pretty cool! I like watching old videosreply