Who is Dragons Den entrepreneur Joe Woolf and what is Tasty Mates?
JOE Woolf is among the entrepreneurs looking for investment on series 21 of Dragon’s Den.
Here we take a look at Joe, as well as the business he is seeking backing from the Dragons for — Tasty Mates.
Who is Dragons Den entrepreneur Joe Woolf?
Along with his business partner Nick Sunshine, Joe is the co-founder of vegan confectionary company Tasty Mates.
Joe attended the University of Nottingham, where he got a degree in Archaeology and Geography.
His head for business was apparent even while he was studying — Joe was a shareholder in a successful student night, undertaking tasks such as managing 20 reps and running weekly events.
What is Tasty Mates?
Tasty Mates is a company which makes and sells vegan sweets, while also helping people who are in need of a friend.
Co-founder Joe’s LinkedIn profile states: “Building a company and having a sweet, sweet time doing it.
“What started as an idea has evolved into one of the UK‘s most loved Gourmet Gummy Sweet brands.
“We are on a mission to power: ‘Meaningful Moments with Mates’, and building communities, events and a brand that does just that.”
When did Dragons Den entrepreneur Joe Woolf found Tasty Mates?
Tasty mates was founded during the Covid-19 pandemic’s lockdown.
Joe and Nick launched the company in 2020, but the process began in 2018.
As Nick explains on Vevolution: “The Tasty Mates Journey started in 2018 when my business partner Joe and I embarked on the confectionery journey.
“Having found a R&D company to create the product we wanted, we funded the first stage of development.
“This gave us the samples to then propose the business to potential investors.
“Tasty Mates secured initial funding, which allowed for the product to be created in a commercial kitchen by hand in Hertford.
“Over the course of the first 18 months, we quickly outgrew the space having secured listings in over 250 WHSmith stores, Holland & Barrett and Daylesford Farmshops.
He added: “2022 saw Tasty Mates secure a listing with TJX for launch in 2000 stores across America, Canada and Australia.”
When can you watch Tasty Mates on Dragons Den?
Joe will be looking for investment in Tasty Mates in episode eight of series 21, which is broadcast on February 22, 2024.
The show airs on Thursday evenings on BBC One at 8pm — Dragon’s Den also becomes available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer after airing.
The new series sees business investors Sara Davies, Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman and Steven Bartlett on the panel.
Former footballer Gary Neville and Good American co-founder Emma Grede have also joined the series as special guests.
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