Dragons’ Den success stories: Swing Patrol (and what you can learn from them)

Company name:  Swing Patrol UK Ltd
Description: Swing events, classes and corporate entertainment
Series: 12, episode 1
Year: 2014
Investment received: £65,000
Dragon investor: Deborah Meaden

“One of those incredible life adventures that I wouldn’t give up for anything.”- That’s how Swing Patrol founder Scott Cupit sums up his experience of pitching to the Dragons in 2014 and walking away with £65,000 investment from Deborah Meaden.

Launched in February 2009, Cupit’s dance school, events and entertainment brand has scaled phenomenally since appearing on the Den and now boasts a community of over 12,000 dancers and troupes which perform across the country. Built on Cupit’s love of swing, the business has achieved several milestones in the last two years such as breaking a Guinness World Record for the largest charleston dance, performing for prime minister David Cameron and his family at 10 Downing Street, and working on collaborations with brands including Oasis and Keds.

What’s more, Cupit recently released a book – Swing Dance – which has already sold over 5,000 copies, and there is now a Swing Patrol e-commerce shop to boot.

Over the next 12 months, Cupit has a number of new projects in the pipeline including launching a Charleston fitness programe and organising a swing initiative for senior citizens.

So, would Cupit recommend the Den to other budding entrepreneurs? “The whole process was a great experience and it was a fascinating insight into TV, getting an investor and about myself and managing the stress of being in the spotlight.”

View the original pitch here.