Who is Dragons’ Den entrepreneur Stephen Keane and what is The Fact Factory?
EVERY week Dragons’ Den viewers’ watch up-and-coming entrepreneurs face the tough investors.
One person who is hoping to secure investment into their product is inventor Stephen Keane.
Who is Stephen Keane?
Hailing from Ireland, Stephen Keane is a former primary school teacher and founder of News Mag Media Ltd.
He is also the founder and creator of The Fact Factory, which is a magazine that can help people who are visually impaired or have learning difficulties.
Stephen was inspired to create his product by a nine-year-old girl who lost her sight because of cancer.
It took him four years to get The Fact Factory off the ground, and described the experience as “challenging but hugely rewarding”.
Speaking to Irish Independent: “When we set out to create a magazine that every child could enjoy, and after having met with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), we knew this was something children needed.
“We just had to figure out how best to do it.”
What is The Fact Factory?
The Fact Factory is an audio-print magazine series.
It is written and recorded to include readers with print disabilities such as dyslexia and visual impairment.
The magazines are recorded by children from around the world.
It offers a screen-free reading and listening experience.
The magazines include fun facts on topics like animals, insects, sea creatures, the body, famous buildings and heroes from history.
The innovative reading kit was created in collaboration with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI).
When can you watch The Fact Factory on Dragons’ Den?
Stephen will pitch The Fact Factory on Dragons’ Den tonight (March 28, 2024) from 8pm on BBC One.
Standing in front to the famous Dragons – Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett – he will showcase his product.
Speaking about going on the show, Stephen told the Irish Mirror: Appearing on Dragons’ Den was a very exciting opportunity for us.
“Having nine-year-old Laurel, who at the age of four lost both eyes because of bilateral retinoblastoma, show the Dragons how someone who cannot see can still enjoy a printed magazine just like that of her peers was very important for us.
“Laurel is a massive fan of the series and that says it all – it shows us that all the hard work has been worth it.
“Of course, Laurel took her TV debut in her stride while I stood petrified before the five Dragons.”
Also by on tonight’s show are business owners Louise Toal and Gina Farran.
Dragons' Den stars - past and present
Dragons' Den has been on our screens since 2005 and sees entrepreneurs enter the Den to try and win investment for their businesses from the Dragons.
Over the years there have been many wealthy investors sitting in the famous seats, here’s a rundown of them all and how long they were on the show for.
- Peter Jones – series 1 – present
- Deborah Meaden – series 3 – present
- Touker Suleyman – series 13 – present
- Sara Davies – series 17 – present
- Steven Bartlett – series 19 – present
- Duncan Bannatyne – series 1 – 12
- Rachel Elnaugh – series 1 and 2
- Doug Richard – series 1 and 2
- Simon Woodroffe – series 1
- Theo Paphitis – series 2 -10
- Richard Farleigh – series 3 and 4
- James Caan – series 5-8
- Hilary Devey – series 9 and 10
- Kelly Hoppen – series 11 and 12
- Piers Linney – series 11 and 12
- Nick Jenkins – series 13 and 14
- Sarah Willingham – series 13 and 14
- Jenny Campbell – series 15 and 16
- Tej Lalvani – series 15 – 18
- Emma Grede and Gary Neville were guest Dragons during series 21.