Swindon & Wiltshire News
Travel brand owner to pitch to Dragons
Bristol-based travel brand Kip Hideaways is set to make its television debut on BBC One’s Dragons’ Den this week, as co-founder Sarah de Vere-Drummond steps into the Den to pitch for investment.
The appearance marks a major milestone for the independent UK stays platform, which curates design-led cabins, cottages, barns and bothies across Britain from its base at Ashton Court.
Kip Hideaways has built a reputation for championing small, soulful escapes over big-chain hotels, positioning itself at the heart of the growing “slow travel” movement.
The company, certified as a B Corporation since December 2025, works directly with independent owners to promote properties that emphasise thoughtful design, local character and sustainability.
Sarah described the Dragons’ Den opportunity as a chance to “spotlight what we’ve built”, signalling ambitions to scale the business beyond its current niche.
The show’s format sees entrepreneurs present their business to a panel of millionaires—including Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman – who can offer cash in exchange for equity or walk away entirely.
Earlier this month Sam Mabley, the founder of Bristol-based ethical clothing brand Yes Friends, pitched for a £10,000 investment for two per cent equity, with Deborah Meaden offering £20,000 for the same stake, effectively valuing the business at £1 million.
Meanwhile, it has been 20 years since the founder of ride-on children’s suitcase brand Trunki pitched on Dragons’ Den, asking for £100,000 for 10 per cent equity.
Founder Rob Law left empty-handed after Theo Paphitis pulled a handle on the prototype and it broke, prompting criticism of the product’s quality.
The pitch has since become one of the show’s most-cited “missed opportunities”.
Trunki went on to sell more than five million suitcases in over 100 countries, and Law sold the business to Heroes Group in 2023 in a deal reported at around £12 million.
Fans can catch Sarah on the show this Friday, September 25 at 8pm.
