With Steven Bartlett, 28, joining the panel of multi-millionaires on the BBC Show, he makes history by becoming the youngest ever Dragon to join the show.
In the BBC broadcast, aspiring entrepreneurs are given three minutes to pitch their business plans to five multi-millionaires in the hopes of receiving funding.
Tej Lalvani, 46, announced his departure from the show in January, and Steven will take his place.
The new Dragon is the CEO of The Social Chain, a social media marketing firm worth £300 million that he founded from his Manchester bedroom after dropping out of university at the age of 22. Within five years, he had gone public with his business.
As part of Series 19, which starts shooting in the summer, he will join fellow Dragons Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, Touker Suleyman, and Sara Davies in the Den.
According to Metro, Steven said of his appointment: “It’s a tremendous honour to join the Den, hopefully representing a new generation of entrepreneurs, inspiring young and specifically under-represented entrepreneurs to follow in my footsteps.”
Commissioning editor for entertainment at the BBC, Sarah Clay said of the appointment: “As well as being our youngest ever Dragon, Steven’s unique approach to business will bring a whole new dynamic to the Den.
“He brings a wealth of experience from the social media, technological and brand building worlds. I’m so excited to see him in the next series.”
Executive producer of Dragons’ Den at BBC Studios, Chi Ukairo also added: “Steven is a great addition to the Den and we are all looking forward to seeing him in action when we start filming this summer.”
This comes after Tej announced in January that he’s stepping down from his post and won’t be appearing for season 19.
He said of his decision: “I’m truly excited for the upcoming series of Dragons’ Den, which looks set to be one of the best.
“However after an incredibly enjoyable four years as a Dragon I have decided that this next series will be my last.
“My commitment to the international growth and expansion of my core business and the numerous investments over the years sadly means I will be unable to dedicate the necessary time moving forward.”
He added: “I would like to thank the BBC for the great opportunity along with their support and understanding. I wish everyone on the team the very best as it’s been a true pleasure working together.”
Education: Computer Network Engineering, Computer Desktop Administration
Fave Song: Destiny's Child 'Dangerously in love'
Fave Colour: Grey.
With £1m what would you do: I would do my part to provide opportunities to the less fortunate. Then do my best to change the world in my own way through sports and talent building.
