Dragons’ Den viewers gobsmacked as Deborah Meaden retracts offer over ‘ridiculous’ counter-proposal: ‘They royally messed that up’

Dragons’ Den viewers were left in a state of astonishment as they watched an extremely rare occurrence go down in the investors’ lair, as Deborah Meaden made the savage decision to take back on offer.

On the latest episode of the BBC programme, business partners Julia Lowe and Lee Denny put forward their business Camp Wildfire, which they described as the UK’s first summer camp for adults.

The pair went in requesting a £75,000 investment for a 5% stake in their business, which they explained would provide customers with the opportunity to take part in day activities including riding quad bikes, archery and building rafts, in addition to feasts, parties and cosy campfires at night.

While they received praise for their business, the duo ended up seeing four out of the five Dragons say they were out, leaving Deborah – who was keen – to make an offer.

The long-running Dragon said that as they would need ‘help practically’ with ‘some serious structural problems’, she wanted to give them all of the money for 25% of the business, five times what they were initially willing to give up.

Following a one-on-one with each other, Julia and Lee asked whether Deborah would be willing to accept a 20% stake in their business, which would then be reduced to 5% if they hit their projected numbers.

This suggestion took Deborah completely by surprise, turning the tables on the negotiation.

‘5%? No. That kind of misses the point, because if I’m having an impact on this business, then I’ll be part of you achieving your £315,000. It’s completely illogical, so no is the answer,’ she replied abruptly.

The duo tried to bring the discussion back, asking if a 20% stake for the investment would be agreeable.

However, the damage was done.

‘Do you know, in your last counter-offer, I’ve got to tell you, I nearly fell off my chair. And that really worried me,’ Deborah told them.

‘I’m getting insights into how you are going to be when you go out there and you do business and do you know what? I’m afraid I withdraw my offer. I’m out.’

The camp enthusiasts were forced to leave the den with nothing, although they insisted that they were happy with their decision, as they had previously said they would only go up to 10% as a maximum.

People watching the show couldn’t believe their eyes, with several remarking that they were astounded that the entrepreneurs thought they’d be able to get away with an agreement drastically lower than Deborah was offering.

‘Roll back to 5%?!?! Did they really just pitch that back to @DeborahMeaden,’ one person tweeted.