John Kershaw, founder of Manchester-based startup M14 Industries, pitched his dating app-building platform on Dragon's Den (season 14 episode 15), seeking £80,000 for 15% equity.

All five Dragons made offers, with Peter Jones noting the startup’s deal with UK media giant Global.

After deliberation, Kershaw accepted a joint offer from Nick Jenkins and Peter Jones for £80,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing the company at £400,000.

However, complications arose when M14 was approached by a major client offering a significantly higher valuation of £1.5 million.

Although the unnamed major client chose to remain a customer rather than an investor, the funding round successfully closed in early December.