2006 August 17th - BBC2 Dragon's Den

The Prize Winning Shadow Robot Company in Islington is featured on the BBC TV program Dragon's Den this coming Thursday evening at 8pm (17 August 06) on BBC2. Stephen Morfey, Marc de Gentile-Williams, and Rich Walker made the company's pitch for more funding.

During the summer the company was overwhelmed by enquiries for its Dextrous Robotic Hand, and are actively seeking further investment.

The Dextrous Hand is sold to universities, research institutes, and hospitals who have an interest in advanced robotics. The company has sold hands to NASA, Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania, and Bielefeld University in Germany.

Dramatically increased orders from leading institutions means the company needs to increase its capacity. "It is not enough for the company of produce more prototypes", said Richard Greenhill, the Managing Director. He believes they need more capital investment to develop the manufacturing end of the business.

The Shadow Robot Company is actively looking for partners with an enthusiasm for cutting edge design and engineering projects.

However, the BBC's Dragons were reluctant to invest in a company focused on research and development, and they felt that The Shadow Robot Company was ideal for government sponsorship. "I'm not confident you have a mass product," charged Mr. Bannatyne.

The Company has short term and long term development plans in the area of advanced robotics and is seeking investors with imagination, flare, and experience of the advanced robotics market.

"Our immediate prospects are huge," says Alan Madsen. "And the current interest shown in The Dextrous Hands by Universities, Research Institutes, and Corporations is overwhelming."