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PEEQUAL Founders Reject Dragon's Offer for Equity
25 Sep
Summary
- Startup PEEQUAL declined an investment from Deborah Meaden.
- Founders cited financial reasons and equity demands from Dragons.
- The company has since raised nearly £1 million in funding.
Amber Probyn and Hazel McShane, founders of PEEQUAL, the company behind the UK's first women's urinals, recently decided not to accept an investment from Deborah Meaden on Dragons' Den. Although they secured an offer during filming, the pair mutually agreed with Meaden to withdraw from the deal post-filming.
Probyn explained that the decision was driven by financial considerations and the substantial equity stake requested by Dragons' Den investors. They felt this was not the optimal business strategy for PEEQUAL. Despite this, the exposure from appearing on the show significantly validated their innovative product.
Since their Dragons' Den appearance, PEEQUAL has thrived, raising nearly £1 million in investment over the past 14 months. The urinals, designed for squatting and reported to be three times faster than traditional portable toilets, aim to provide women with choice, speed, and hygiene. The company has expanded its reach, selling toilets to providers in the US, Norway, and Ireland, and has returned to major events like Glastonbury Festival.
Appearing on national television to discuss women's urinals is viewed by Probyn as a crucial step in destigmatizing the product and normalizing its use. This conversation on a prime-time platform represents a significant milestone after years of effort to overcome societal taboos surrounding female urination facilities.
