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Non-alcoholic aperitif brand wins £90,000 Dragons’ Den backing
Steven Bartlett took a 5% stake in Mother Root during last night’s episode of the BBC show
Non-alcoholic aperitif brand Mother Root has gained a £90,000 investment on Dragons’ Den.
On last night’s (2 October) episode of the BBC show, the drinks brand’s founder Bethan Higson and COO Alice Galsworthy accepted the offer from dragon Steven Bartlett in return for a 5% stake in the business.
Higson first pitched for a £60,000 investment for a 2% stake, which met with three counter offers from Bartlett and fellow dragons Sara Davies and Deborah Meaden.
The Dragons’ Den appearance followed the end of a wider fundraising round in which the business raised £1.1m at a pre-money valuation of £8m.
Wine industry expert Higson founded Mother Root in 2018, and in 2025 the business has posted a 180% year-to-date growth compared to the same period last year, having already surpassed its total revenue for 2024.
The natural aperitif is created from four ingredients including apple-cider vinegar, and is designed to deliver the same flavour punch and slow-sip satisfaction as an alcoholic drink. Varieties include ginger, which the dragons tasted on the show.
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“For any business owner, an opportunity like this almost feels surreal,” said Higson. “Appearing on the show was an amazing experience and provided an incredible platform for us to not only gain national exposure, but share our story directly with some of the UK’s most inspiring business leaders.”
Galsworthy added: “Being part of this journey alongside Bethan and sharing our vision on national television has been a real milestone for Mother Root.
“I first discovered Mother Root as a customer and quickly became a fan – so when the opportunity came to join the business, it felt like a natural step. Going from brand advocate to business leader has been incredibly rewarding.”
Earlier this year, frozen pizza brand Doughboys Pizza also secured a £90,000 investment on the BBC show.
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