Winner of LSST Dragons’ Den 2024 Secures £3,000 After Showcase of Remarkable Entrepreneurial Ingenuity
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 1 July 2024
LSST’s Luton campus was pulsating in anticipation as four exceptional students emerged from a pool of 84 competitors to vie for the top prize of £3,000 – and second prize of £1,500 – in the highly anticipated LSST Dragons’ Den 2024 final on 28th June. This crucial event showcased the extraordinary entrepreneurial talents of our students in front of an esteemed panel of judges ready to evaluate their innovative business proposals.
The expert judging panel featured Charles Tennant, LSST’s Vice Principal; Foteini Meleti, Careers & Employability Coordinator; Aqeel Syed, Dean of LSST Luton; Dr Wendy Wigley, Head of Student Lifecycle & Partnership Manager; and Daniel Evans, CEO of Birmingham Enterprise Community. Their collective expertise and discernment set the stage for a rigorous and insightful evaluation.
The finalists, each a victor in their regional heats from LSST’s Birmingham, Luton, and London – Wembley and Elephant and Castle – campuses, presented their business concepts with remarkable determination. The competition was fierce, with a total of £4,500 in prizes funded by Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO, to fuel their entrepreneurial dreams.
Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO, said: ‘The LSST Dragons’ Den final was more than a competition, it was a celebration of creativity, determination and the entrepreneurial spirit that LSST strives to cultivate. By championing such values, we aim to prepare our students to make significant contributions to their careers and communities.’
Charles Tennant, LSST’s Vice Principal, added: ‘At LSST, we are devoted to fostering our students’ entrepreneurial spirit. By expanding our careers service, we aim to create an environment where business and enterprise can flourish, providing our students with the support they need to turn their ideas into successful ventures.’
James Platt, LSST’s Careers and Employability Manager, commented on the exceptional student calibre: ‘The level of talent and innovation displayed throughout the regional heats and the final was extraordinary. Our students have demonstrated incredible potential and outstanding entrepreneurial prowess.’
Celebrating the Winners
First Place: Constantin Ungureanu, a Business Management student from LSST Luton, captivated the judges with his unique gift-giving business, featuring innovative candles and creative novelties. He was awarded the top prize of £3,000. Reflecting on his achievement, Constantin said, ‘The competition was intense, but the support from LSST, my tutors, and my careers officer was invaluable. Winning this prize allows me to advance my business and share my creativity with a wider audience.’
Runner-Up: Andrei Cioran, a DET student from LSST Elephant and Castle, secured £1,500 for his inventive coffee van start-up, which he plans to launch at his own campus. Andrei expressed his gratitude, stating, ‘Participating in Dragons’ Den was a transformative experience. The insights from Daniel Evans, CEO of Birmingham Enterprise Community, about real-world business challenges were particularly enlightening. I am grateful to LSST’s lecturers for their guidance and encouragement.’
Joint Third Place: George Otincelescu from LSST Birmingham and Mohammed Naqvi from LSST Wembley shared the third-place honours. George’s venture focused on 3D printing figurines, while Mohammed’s business concept revolved around supplements and health products. Their innovative ideas earned them well-deserved recognition.
The finalists presented their business plans in a comprehensive 20-minute pitch, detailing their ideas, financial projections, and market viability. James Platt, LSST’s Careers and Employability Manager, added: ‘This rigorous process not only tested their entrepreneurial acumen but also provided them with constructive feedback from the panel. The judges offered invaluable advice on refining their proposals and advancing their business plans, ensuring each participant left with actionable insights. As we conclude this year’s Dragons’ Den, we look forward to the 2025 competition with great anticipation. The future is bright for LSST’s aspiring entrepreneurs, and we remain committed to supporting their journeys every step of the way.’
For more information about our Dragons’ Den competition, please get in touch with James Platt, LSST’s Careers and Employability Manager at james.platt@lsst.ac or contact the author, Kunal Chan Mehta, at kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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