David Dickinson's grandson say he's been inspired to success by his famous relative - after becoming the youngest ever Dragon's Den contestant. Myles Dickinson, 19, struck a deal on the hit show last night after pitching his custom metal debit card business.
The teenager fielded interest from three 'dragons' before agreeing to £35k for a 35% stake with Steven Bartlett, 30. Successful Myles, who was 18 when the show was recorded, says his grandad's success is something he looks up to - and hopes to emulate.
David, 81, made his living as an antiques dealer and was best known for presenting BBC's Bargain Hunt and his daytime show Dickinson's Real Deal on ITV. The teenager said: "Obviously my grandad is very successful so I feel the pressure to follow in his footsteps and become successful as well.
"I put my life and soul into this company, and I am thrilled to have the support of a dragon to run my business."
Myles founded Haze in November 2021 while he was in his first year of university. He was studying banking and finance but quickly dropped out to focus full-time on running the company.
The premise of the product is it is entirely customisable stainless steel, available in different colours, designs -and with the option to add personal photos as well. Prior to appearing on the show, Myles had used his maintenance loan to buy the machinery and build a website for his business.
The young entrepreneur started by employing his flat mates and making the stainless steel bank cards in his university dorm. He quickly found there was a high demand for his product, and by the time he appeared on Dragon's Den in March, he claims he'd earned six figures in revenue.
Myles said: "The cards are customisable, durable, and an all round premium product. "Before going on the show, my friends were helping me make them in my university room after I'd used my maintenance loan to launch the business.
"I was 18 at the time and it felt like a big risk putting all my energy into Haze when I had university work to be doing. But I believed in my vision, and in the end all the time and effort I put in paid off."
Myles impressed Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman and Steven with his youth, business acumen and product - and all three made him an offer. Spoilt for choice, Myles weighed up his options, but eventually decided to accept Steven's investment.
And, the business has been thriving ever since, much to the delight of Steven and his famous grandfather. Myles says David has been extremely supportive of his business venture, and that he's been largely inspired by his grandfather's success.
He said: "When family members do well in life, it inspires and motivates you to do the same. Going on the show at 18 years old was nerve-racking, but I was confident that my business had what it took to secure an investment.
"It wasn't just the money which I was after, I also wanted to benefit from the guidance and experience of having a dragon as a mentor. Getting three offers was amazing, and in the end I decided to go with Steven because he's a lot younger and someone I've always looked up to.
"The business is currently in a strong position and I'm excited to see what the future holds for Haze."
Myles' successful Dragons Den pitch aired on BBC One and is available on iPlayer.
