Kenya is to get its own version of the popular international Dragons’ Den show in September, with NTV and Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) partnering to launch Lion’s Den.
The Dragons’ Den concept is popular internationally, with versions of the show running in the United Kingdom (UK) and Canada, while Ekaya, SA Florist and eShip walked away with funding from a South African edition.
The concept also exists as Mone Tigers in Japan and Shark Tank in the United States (US), with Kenyans now set to get their own version in the form of Lion’s Den, which will air from September every Monday evening on NTV.
Lion’s Den will offer entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their businesses to a panel of venture capitalists and investors – “Lions” – for the opportunity to receive on-the-spot investment. KCB is sponsoring the programme as part of its 2jiajiri programme, which aims to support local businesses.
“We are proud to be part of this exciting phase as the youth increasingly take up greater sway in the revolution and pace of the economy in the coming years,” said Angela Mwirigi, KCB marketing and communications director.
“They are the holders of the greatest ideas, the energy, and the commitment that is needed to drive the transformation. As a bank we are committed to ensure they realise their dreams through providing platforms that will create an enabling environment for these opportunities.”
Linus Kaikai, managing editor of NTV, said Lion’s Den would be the “ultimate milestone Kenya’s reality television has been longing for”.
“We are truly delighted that Lion’s Den will find a perfect home on NTV Kenya”, he said.
