Puff the Magic Dragon, Lives on CBC

I’ve been watching the new CBC show Dragon’s Den, and I’m concerned by the examples being set for any entrepreneurs watching or participating.

Anyone who thinks this show has anything to do with real business angel investing is probably smoking the same stuff as Peter, Paul and Mary.

Now, for those who haven’t seen the show, the basics are that entrepeneurs pitch five wealthy business angels for investments (with the angels cast as Dragon’s protecting their money from entrepreneurs with bad ideas and dolling it out to promising startups).

The Dragon’s then make an offer for an amount of money & share of the company or send the entrepreneur packing. From an entertainment point of view, it’s a fun show. I enjoy the American Idol - William Hung factor of watching some really bad business pitches as much as the next persion.

I’m also of the strong opinion that anything that helps promote an entrepreneurial spirit in Canada is much needed and welcome.