Two Eco-Friendly Startups Win Big on Dragons' Den with Bold Pitches
Two sustainable businesses secured funding on the latest episode of Dragons' Den. Phil and Helen Lord pitched their online marketplace for second-hand kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Meanwhile, Ben McGirr presented Kompo, an innovative food composter that turns kitchen waste into plant fuel.
Phil and Helen Lord founded Pre-Owned Interiors in 2015. Their platform lets users resell high-end interiors at a fraction of the original cost. The couple asked for £100,000 in exchange for 5% of their B-Corp-certified business, which takes a 30% commission on sales without holding any stock. Deborah Meaden made an immediate offer of £100,000 for 15%, and the pair accepted without hesitation.
The company now generates around £2 million in annual revenue. However, it has only recently reached profitability after losses exceeding £500,000 two years ago. These setbacks were due to expenses like website development, wages, advertising, and consultancy fees.
Ben McGirr also won investment for Kompo, a countertop composter launched in 2025. The device dries and grinds food scraps into odour-free plant fuel, cutting waste volume by up to 80% in just four to eight hours. McGirr initially sought £86,000 for 20% of the business but later agreed to a deal with Susie Ma, giving away 35% instead.
Both businesses left the Den with funding. Pre-Owned Interiors will use the £100,000 to expand its marketplace, while Kompo secured backing to scale its waste-reducing technology. The deals mark a step forward for each company's growth plans.
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