Viaplay to become the exclusive home of the Dutch edition of ‘Dragons’ Den’ in the Netherlands

The world-famous reality pitch show Dragons’ Den, which gives entrepreneurs an opportunity to pitch their ideas to top names of the business world, has found a home in the Netherlands. Come the spring of 2022, Viaplay will launch the first-ever Dutch version of the show, giving Dutch entrepreneurs a platform to pitch their ideas.

The show will be Viaplay’s first major local production in the country. Viably will launch in the Netherlands on March 1.

Dragon’s Den was launched as ‘Money Tigers’ on Nippon TV in Japan in 2001. The format became an instant global success with production in over 40 countries. Over $250M (~ €220M) has been invested in small businesses across the globe through the show.

A reality show for entrepreneurs

Dragon’s Den pits entrepreneurs against five multi-millionaire investors, or Dragons, to pitch their ideas for investment. 

Each entrepreneur gets 3 minutes to pitch. It can be an already established business or something just a little more than an idea. 

The show is produced in multiple countries across the globe. Dragon’s den is distributed around the world by Sony Pictures Television under various titles, including ‘Shark Tank,’ ‘Lions’ Den,’ and ‘Dragons’ Den.’

In the Netherlands, the show will be produced by Vincent TV (‘Chateau Meiland’; ‘Five Days Inside’; ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’).

Vincent ter Voert, Vincent TV Founder and Producer, says, “In the Netherlands, entrepreneurs-to-be have been waiting for the opportunity to start building their dreams. Now is the time to take this great format to the next level with Viaplay.”

Restaurant tycoon Won Yip, ‘avocado queen’ Shawn Harris, top investor Pieter Schoen, businesswoman Manon van Essen and serial entrepreneur Bas Witvoet will be the ‘dragons’ to impress.

Viaplay’s unique promise

Viaplay, owned by Nordic Entertainment Group AB (publ) (NENT Group), promises a unique combination of local and original productions, international films and series, kids content, and premium live sports in the Netherlands.

The service will be the Dutch home of live Formula 1, Bundesliga and PDC darts, with Premier League football to follow from August.

“Viaplay’s pitch to Dutch viewers is simple. We offer local and original productions, the best of Hollywood, high-quality kids content and the most attractive sports – all on a single service that represents excellent value for money. ‘Dragons’ Den’ is a proven format that blends the brilliant with the unexpected, and which has both kickstarted great businesses and entertained viewers around the world,” says Filippa Wallestam, Chief Content Officer of NENT Group.

Viaplay recently appointed Martijn de Bruin and Kennard Bos as its first Executive Producers in the Netherlands for non-scripted and scripted content respectively.

The service will be priced €13.99 per month and will be available through distribution partners such as KPN and VodafoneZiggo as well as through direct subscriptions.