Dragon’s Den star Hilary Devey is to target the travel market with two start-up companies she has invested in through the programme.
Devey invested £60,000 for a 26% share in the Clapham-based business Shoot It Yourself in September. Specialising in wedding videos, the company gives out video cameras to guests and guidance on how to film the big day. The company then edits the footage.
Speaking at the World Travel Market session Talk Business, Devey said the company was widening its scope and had been approached by travel firms to do the same for holiday videos.
She said: “What group of travellers wouldn’t want their own professionally edited DVD? We are in discussions with travel companies in organised team travel and we are endevouring to conclude a package. This is one of the ways I’m making sure failure is not an option.”
Devey also believes there are opportunities in travel for the start-up Duvalay, which combines memory foam with a built-in duvet. The Dragon bought a 26% stake in the firm for £80,000
She said: “I was flying Virgin Atlantic Upper Class and I couldn’t sleep because the beds were so hard. So I commissioned a template for the planes and I have written to Richard Branson.
“This could be a great USP for travel companies.”