It’s not easy walking into the Dragons’ Den.
“They were brutally honest with myself and my customer,” said Eric Dormer, president of Ottawa-based software startup CheckinWiz, who is appearing on tonight’s episode of the hit CBC program. “But it was certainly entertaining.”
CheckinWiz is a service that connects travellers, hotels and event planners through a person’s mobile device. It is intended to help travellers interact with their hotel or help event planners interact with their guests.
Dormer could not reveal if any of the Dragons on the show were interested in his offer, a 25 per cent stake in the company in exchange for a $150,000 investment, but he said it was a phenomenal experience that helped his company tremendously.
“For a startup entrepreneur, you just don’t get the opportunity to stand up in front of five people who have made their businesses, are successful and passionate, and have them tell you what they think of your product and service,” he said.
Even though the broadcast may only show a few minutes of the presentation and some brief discussion, Dormer said they spent nearly half an hour discussing the pitch.
Even if he didn’t get the investment he was looking for, Dormer said he’s hoping event planners see the episode and look into the product.
