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Name | Guy Jeremiah |
Pitching | Aquatina |
Investment Required | 拢100,000 |
Equity Offered | 10% |
Brief Description | A collapsible, concertina shaped refillable water bottle that aims to reduce bottled water waste |
Guy Jeremiah delivers a gutsy visual demonstration of his product. He believes it is a solution to the enormous waste of plastic caused by the bottled water market, and intends to harness the collaborative power of the internet in order to help his customers find free water sources wherever they are.
Guy seems confident that his well-rehearsed eloquence will win the day. However, Peter Jones has a criticism right away: he found Guy's presentation misleading. Peter doesn't think the product will make any impact on the bottled water market, only compete for a share in the much smaller reusable bottle market.
Theo lays into Guy's product
James Caan focuses on price and when he realises how little money Guy's business has made in comparison to the projections, he drops out.
Duncan Bannatyne doesn't think the bottle will be of any use to gym-goers. In response, Guy raises a few eyebrows among the Dragons by mentioning possible health risks associated with disposable plastic bottles. Duncan will not be side-tracked, though, and he gets heated: it's clear he thinks the product is a bad idea and will not consider investing.
Deborah Meaden is next to quiestion Guy. She wants specifics on the environmental side of the product, but is disappointed by what she hears. Guy emphasises the practicality of his product, but meanwhile Theo Paphitis is lining up another barrage of criticism. He would rather stick pins in his eyes than buy the bottle! He is out.
Peter thinks Guy's business model is hopelessly optimistic and also declares himself out. The last word goes to Deborah, who doesn't like that the bottle has to be reused more than three times before it becomes more environmentally friendly than a plastic bottle. Deborah makes it unanimous and Guy's bottles lose their chance for an investment.
No investmnet
Other entrepreneurs from this episode:
A glimpse behind the scenes with investment reactions.
Dom tests this week's products with the public.
Missed any action? Catch up and find out more about the Online Dragons.
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Comments
Thought the Dragons were very heated in their exchange in rubbishing Guy's ideas. There's no harm saying 'I'm out with manners' rather than shouting at someone. Unlike some on the show, he's actually sold some of his product.
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i love this idea. This is handbag market all the way. No i dont have room in my gym bag i dont have room in my bag this would be perfect. what is this guy web site.
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At Leeds University they don't sell bottled still water, due to waste. It would be great to have this to fill up, instead of the bulky plastic alternatives. The only reason I waste bottles is if they're empty or dirty and taking up space in my sports/work bag. Great idea.
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I love this idea. I usually think the dragons have got it right but on this occasion i think they have missed a brilliant idea and i am getting quite fed up with their pompous and rude attitude to people who come into the den ! (Peter is fast becoming the new Duncan - and that is not a compliment !)
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why dont you try adventer racers and mountain marathon areas my girl said this would brilliant for this idead you have as she herself does this.
good luck
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At Leeds University they don't sell still bottled water as it was voted by the majority to avoid waste. Would throw bottles away if they're dirty or empty and taking up space in my sports/work bag. Great idea.
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That was so harsh! I would buy one tomorrow. I think the dragon's got it completely wrong on this one. Stick with it Guy, I will spread the word about your great idea.
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They definitely got it wrong - I will buy one when they're back in stock at Howies after SELLING OUT IN THREE DAYS! The Dragons totally missed this one. My handbag needs one, and my gym bag needs it just as much too - who likes bulky plastic bottles anywhere?!
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Amazed, WHAT were the Dragons thinking!!??? This product is great and I want one now. Why so aggressive? Were they hiding something? The Aquatina is here to stay!!
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This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the .
I thought this was a great idea - I've actually got one and keep it in my backpack and so when I hit the gym and need a drink, I just pull out the Aquatina and fill it up. Takes up much less space in my gym bag. The gym owner dragon was completely and unnecessarily rude in my opinion.
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Why did the Dragon's hate this idea? Did it threaten their business - how much bottled water does Theo sell? It is an environmental no brainer and I think the kids market is massive - and their bottles really get in the way. I will buy one!!!
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Most people know regular disposable water bottles are not reusable, they contain chemicals that pollute the water when you refill it - how come someone as smart as Duncan doesn't know this? They didn't get the fact this bottle promotes an environmentally friendly approach either. I think aquatina has a bright future!
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Dragons made such a bad decision with not investing in this product! It is brilliant! As a busy professional, part-time student, sports person and mother I am constantly buying reusable bottles as yes there is research around the health risks of plastic water bottles and additionally I want to help save this planet for my childrens children! I drink approximately 4-5 litres of water a day, all of which comes from my tap or water machines/fountains or someone else's tap and would love a folding reuseable bottle! Perfect for my handbag/sports bag/school bag/pocket. Additionally the rudeness displayed to this sales person was disappointing for 5 very smart public individuals, in my view totally unnecessary! What was Aquatina's website/contact details as I would like to contact them as am sure there other investors who would be very interested!
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The dragons didnt like this idea for one reason, the guy wasnt working class... They love nothing better than investing in a former bricky who comes up with a a new vacuum attachment, whilst supporting his wife and 4 kids
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Was it really necessary for the Dragons to be so rude. I know they think it makes good TV, but seriously get over yourselves. Do they think this poor chap invested goodness knows what time, energy and money in this water bottle to just turn up to insult their intelligence. And do we need hysterics if Theo's massive ego is bruised? Grow up
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the dragons have shocked me for the first time, how rude! guy looked like he was gonna cry. i love this product & want one now! just tried to buy it online with the famous sheffield shop but i dont think they take visa electron but that wont stop me from buying it. i hope the dragons are proved wrong. i hate carrying bottles, at least when i've drunk it, it'll fit in my bag with no leaks. add aquatina on facebook!
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Dragon's Den is getting too showbiz these days. I didn't feel that they needed to be so rude & arrogant towards what is a great idea for lots of us even if they are not personally interested. Guy, you did great to stand up to their unnecessary behaviour, there are lots of us out there that will be buying this product!! Go Aquatina!!
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The Dragons were quite ugly about this amazing product. Throwing it across the floor was stupid and childish. As soon as its available I'll be buing one. You can fill it up with your own tap water take it to work and then re-use it next day. I thought Guy was so polite and didn't deserve the tirade from that motley crew.
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I've been living in London for 2 years and I had no idea that British people could be so rude! I'm from North Africa, and I have never understood why people buy bottled water here when they are lucky enough to have fresh, clean water flowing from the taps. If Theo really is selling bottled water, I would love to take him on a tour of my village! Aquatina is great, and I will definitely get one ASAP - it's a small price to pay to do your part for the world.
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I have to echo the sentiment above and agree that the Dragon's missed out on an amazing opportunity here. This idea has exponential profit growth written all over it. This product has great potential to be used in schools, corporations and businesses with field workers. This concept can be made in a range of shapes, sizes and colours and emblazened with your favourite logos. What is more is that it is as safe as the plastic bottles used for babies and toddlers. Another great benefit with it being concertina is that the product can actually fit through the letter box - well, isn't that a whizz for internet marketing and selling? Now can some one please tell me how can I become a company share holder! There is another niche market Guy could exploit, but I'd have to tell him myself.
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What were the Dragon's thinking? This is clearly a product with real potential. That Bannatyne must have a deal with another bottled water company in his gyms, and as for Paphitis... a bizarre outburst. I hope you prove them wrong Guy. GO AQUATINA!
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What on earth did Guy do to provoke such childish rudeness and petulance from all The Dragons after such an excellent composed pitch, and polite, knowledgeable Q&A? Firstly, let me explain for you Mr Pippi Longstocking-Jones, as you were obviously having difficulty grasping this point, the reusable bottle eradicates the 80 disposable bottles that each person would otherwise use. Hey presto, for every person who buys one of these....80 less disposable bottles per annum! Seemples! As for Rab C. Nesbitt, the only thing I would have thrown back, would have been a punch, but Guy was far too polite and gallant for that. If The Dragons were slightly more in touch, they would know that the future generation, e.g. the students of Leeds University, as mentioned by previous comments, have already voted for, and currently use, Student Union water bottles, as they have voted against the use of bottled water for the very same reasons Guy espouses. Methinks The Dragons might be approaching their Use By Date in cutting edge business. Normally such a great programme though.
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I definitely think there is a market for this product, namely the young city dwellers. Most people will spend a fair amount of time travelling around town with a bag and will want a convenient and environmentally sound bottle to carry water in. I have two metal Sigg bottles but they are large and heavy. I think the Dragons are used to City meeting rooms with their glass bottles of sparkingly water at hand at all times and probably only drive around in chauffeur driven cars. Get them on public transport on a hot day and see how many times they feel like buying water!
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Excellent pitch and great product. I will be buying one of these as soon as I can track one down.
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I usually find the Dragons to be quite even handed, on this occasion they seemed to be very harsh on what I thought was a good product. Perhaps the valuation was a bit high considering only 300 odd have been sold, but I think it is a good, innovative product that definitely has a market, especially in the outdoor/ camping industry. Hopefully Guy will attract investment from someone else who can see the true potential of his product.
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I would have never thought of such a fantastic idea. I get so fed up with the piles of empty water bottles that overload public rubbish bins during the summer....something needs to be done and Aquatina could well be the answer. I bring a flask of drinking water around with me during the day but I, like most women, carry around a small handbag. Bringing a flask of water around with you is heavy and bulky. A small pocket bottle is just the answer. It saves money too, as you don't have to spend 80p every other day on a bottle. I simply don't understand what the dragons were on about. I looks like a no-brainer to me. I hope he succeeds as I thought he looked like a really nice guy (would like to concertina him up and out him in my pocket along with the bottle!). Keep going, Guy. Save the planet!
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Looked like a great idea to me, but I do think leading with the green credentials was a mistake. For me the real benefit of the product is its colapsable feature, that's unique and ideal to be targetted at campers/caravaners, festival goers, a picnic accessory, where space is a premium. It's greeness is important but not a compelling reason to buy. Given the amount of plastic milk bottles I take to the recycling centre all the time & how bulky & awkward they are, I see no reason why disposable bottles couldn't be made to colapse too. I wouldn't object to buying milk from Tesco's in a 2 litre version of it. A colapsable flask I can take a cup of tea out with me.
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I too think this is a great idea. I can envison thousands of them at the 2012 Olympics with the Olympics logo on the cap and water refilling stations.
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Hello, I too am really interested in this product - I simply cant forget its simplicity! and what a brilliant impact to the planet. Hopefully the plastic bottle company wont mind a loss in their revenue too much . ( Dragons do you own a share in such companies? :) I was very very dissapointed in their behaviour , because that chap had really done an excellent visual / kinesthitic / aud pitch - in a very gentlemanly and emotionally professional manner , with all the accurate info required. And had frankly, given the best that any one could ask for! To then know that and then be treated with such little respect by the dragons was really mortifying to watch. Quite clearly he was upset by this but in true gentlemanly form and with a great professional manner he didnt let it show. I agree with DSuk who posted earlier that it seems the dragons tend to avoid 'upper -middleclass' people with good educations and wonderful manners. the point about the 80 water bottles as shown above by another poster really made me chuckle Mr Jones really showing that he had made up his mind about the pitch long before he'd even had the chance to take it in. I see a big impact for these bottles for camping and general use. I would use them on virtually daily basis and Im REALLY glad someone has come up with a solution to having to carry around empty / dirty / smelly / water bottles. And it can go in the dish washer! Brilliant. Thanks and good luck! Id be willing to sell them for you if you need a hand! Well Done. Brilliant pitch - excellent idea - mature handling of other people's own fears and limitations. you're a credit and I hope you are proud of your acheivements and can see you are greatly esteemed. Im off to buy one now - as I genuinely need it! :D
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How Rude were the dragons,are they getting too big for their boots, what ever happen to manners? I hope the product grows world wide and the Dragons shamed at their rude hormonal display
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hi these are great and i have found them for sale here
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Maybe he's barking up the wrong tree with folding water bottles ;-) The minute I saw the concertina effect I thought 'collapsible dog water bowls'. There are folding water bowls on the market but the plastic liner splits after a few uses making them useless. I can't carry a full size bowl whilst walking or cycling but one based on the design of his collapsible bottles would be ideal.
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Think the dragons have made a big mistake by not investing in this product. I think it's a brilliant idea. I definitely would buy for kids to take to school.
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What a great idea and how calm was he when they were being so rude. The Aquatina is also sold in Sheffield where I think it is manufactured and is on sale at The Famous Sheffield Shop. They also sell them online I believe.
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I was offended by how rude Duncan and Theo were to this guy! Deborah's comments were also riduculous!
I have a cupboard of 'sports beakers' for my 2 year old girl and I guarantee that when I purchased them I intended to use each one more than 3 times!!!
Also when I go out regardless of how much water is in the bottles the volume of the container is the same and the bag remains as bulky when I get home as when I left! With the aquatina as the water is used the packaging shrinks! Fantastic idea.
I am now tired of watching the pompous and over-dramatic duo of Theo and Duncan (especially the as far-removed from comedy put-downs that they both think they have to throw out there)!
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the main problem is that they already exist, if you google collapsable drinking water bottles there are loads. It's nothing new and if it was going to sell, then it already would have. The ones online are cheaper too, a bad idea all round!!!
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loads for not very much
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I was very upset by the ignorance in every respect displayed by the Dragons to Guy and his product Aquatina. The throwing of the collapsible water bottle accross the room by Theo was churlish and rude. Guy on the otherhand behaved impeccably. The concept of the Aquatina and the environmental issues surrounding it were put over very well by Guy and he made it childishly simple to understand. I just do not understand why the Dragons didnt get it. I totally agree with the comments made by Disgusted of East Cheam and other similar comments. I think the Dragons have really missed a trick here like they did with the Trunkie. I support a charity called Wateraid as I know what a precious resource water is and we are so lucky to have it freely available on tap in this country. We do not need to buy bottled water. I am now going to the Amazon website to purchase 2 of these wonderful Aquatinas for my husband and myself. I cant wait to pop mine into my handbag with my other little essentials for whereever I go The very best of luck to you Guy.
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I'm packing to go on holiday. I'll be doing some hiking. My normal hiking kit includes a Sigg style water bottle. I'm not taking it because of the amount of space it takes in my suitcase. Aquatina would be a better alternative.
He needs to promote Aquatina to the camping/hiking/cycling market.
Reasons people throw away empty disposable bottles include that it's inconvenient to carry empty and it's pointless because it's worth nothing. If it's a value item and stows easily it becomes rational to keep it. I do query the selling price of Aquatina, costs more than my aluminimum hiking water bottle.
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I echo many of the sentiments above. Will one of the dragons comment on whether there were some comments edited out of the program? I was baffled as to why Duncan thought that the pitch was insulting - particularly in comparison to a golfing pencil sharpener, for example! - Any environmentally friendly ideas should be encouraged - but more importantly, if I saw this on the shelf in any shop I would have bought this product. It's perfect for going to the beach, shopping, hiking, sports +. Good luck to Guy.
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The Dragons have got this one wrong Guy! Don't give up, just aim at a different markets. You could target schools. I walk my 5 year old to school and back everyday and must buy 3 bottles of water a week. Carrying a large drinks bottle just takes up too much room in my bag and my sons school bag. He could put one in his school bag and fill up at the fountain in the playground. Love it!
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I bought one of those horrible bottles from Alibaba (comment 40). Aquatina have nothing to worry about!
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There are many alternative products, and the market for collapsible bottles is small compared to the market for rigid reusable bottles, and tiny compared to the market for conventionally bottled water. Among collapsible bottles, I think the ones that are like bags are more convenient than the concertina type, because you don't have to do all that squeezing and pulling to collapse and expand them. Therefore, in my opinion, this guy was claiming too much and overvaluing his company.
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I stumbled upon this presentation while channel-hopping one evening (having never seen Dragon's Den before). I was immediately enthralled by the presentation and product but disgusted with the childish and downright rude responses by the Dragons. Have they always been like this or are they becomming caricatures of themselves, as we see in so many other TV shows? It'a made me never want to watch this programme again, but I've since bought this bottle and it's perfect for the commute to work, camping and festivals - so good luck Guy, you're better off without them!
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I could disagree with the dragons more about this one and can't believe how downright rude, and ignorant they were. They clearly know nothing about sustainability other then the token gestures they no doubt have to make in their own business. This product is brilliant and just what I've been looking for. Most people only buy bottled water if they're caught short and forgot a bottle - hence why this product is so good. If more people had a product like this then the waste from the bottled water industry would no doubt decline - contrary to the rubbish that the dragon's were spouting! The dragon's have majorly missed out but Guy is definitely better off without them. Good luck to you - I will be trying to buy one of these tomorrow!
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Great product - might the water bottlers themselves be interested.....swap used collapsed bottle for freshly filled recycled one, with refund for return....???
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I must echo all the positive comments below, and I'm glad so many people agree as I was left fuming after watching last weeks episode. Don't take it too seriously you might say, but here we have a real, affordable product with awesome potential to actually do something about the disgusting way in which we live our throw-away lives and it was met with such ridicule. Not only that, but the fellow delivered one of the most eloquent, informed and reasoned pitches we've ever seen, yet they treated him with contempt like some of the people who ask for a million pounds for their rotating chip fork.
Some of the answers they gave were nonsensical and laughable, particular the moronic Bannatyne who struggled to pronounce the words 'ludicrous' and 'ridiculous', even accounting for his thick Glasweigen accent.
Bottled water is a luxury. It's incredibly expensive for what it is, it causes huge impact on the environment and all in a country where we're lucky enough to have clean, safe water in virtually every corner of our island. It's not certain that Aquatina is 'the one' that we've all been waiting for but it certainly looks like it has a chance. And if the Dragon's can't comprehend the benefit of a product costing 3 bottles of CO2 to produce, but with a 9 year lifespan then I hope the next product someone brings into the den is a calculator.
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I agree with all the positive comments made so far, and have just placed an order for 4. Up to now I have regularly resused old water bottles, but they are difficult to keep clean. Plus you have the risk of toxins leaking into the water when they become warm in the car, etc. A brilliant product - just what my partner and I been looking for.
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Just watching this and bit confused to hear Duncan Ballantyne say that you can top up water bottle at any good gym - maybe he needs to check his own chain!
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Oh dear. Its not about drinking water to people who don't have it, it's about those that do and have a choice and so the whole thing was clearly just a no no. Pure and simple.
Just no-one uses again any size of water bottle in the mass market.
The long posts here extol the wider water virtue, but are just so divorced from reality.
Dominic
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Well Sigg who make aluminium re-usable water bottles had a turnover of $100 million last year. So it seems there is a mass market for people who re-use bottles. Given bottled water sales are dropping, there must be room for an alternative?
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The bottle idea is not new. We had the same one at my home in Czechoslovakia- 30 years ago. We used it once or twice but that was it. It was not good and I would certainly not buy it.
However seen from a different perspective, with a few radical improovements and non European target market it could be money maker
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Seemed a little unfair. I think they may have been looking for ratings on this one.
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Definitely a Tunki. Shortsighted and bizarrely rude behaviour - especially throwing the product across the room. Perhaps Guy would like to post and tell us if he is still looking for investment? Dragon's loss could be other's gain. I for one think this is an investable product. Want some cash/
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I have read a few of the posts above I myself I am a qualified accountant its not a matter of the Dragons been rude just ask yourself y they are who they are? in business you must be srewed!!! my comment dispite if its a good idea or not as an accountant this person has only had a revenue of 拢750
now be realistic would either of you invest 100K?
I would suggest to go through the EFG scheme that the government fully supports and major banks can support but i doubt that he will obtain 100k he will require a good business plan offer to capitalise profits if any? and a strong balance sheet.
Nadia Fresiello
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I think point 59 is a reasonable statement. However, since we filmed the show we have sold 19,000 Aquatina, hence have a much stronger balance sheet. But because of that, we no longer need the Dragon's cash! So investors have to be prepared to invest in an idea and a good business plan, not just a proven balance sheet. Guy
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They just sold 40 more which is how many I bought to contribute to my son's Reception class.
The children are thoughtfully provided drinking bottles at the start of school which are readily available throughout the day but take up a lot of space on the way back home. I think a collapsible dishwasher-able bottle would be fantastic in this regard and I was prepared to invest in Aquatina to co-incide with the Term theme of Water.
Appended is an excerpt from a letter introducing Aquatina to our school's Head. I guess restaurateurs aren't the only people who make people feel like social desperados for material or media gain...
Go Aquatina!
Adrian
"Essentially, Aquatina is a stand against the ubiquity and environmental delinquency of bottled water. As the amusing film clip on their site will inform, it takes 7 litres of water and 1鈦4 litre of oil to produce (and deliver) one litre of bottled water. It is a tribute to the marketing industry and a sad fact of human psychology that the former has convinced the latter that it is a good idea to spend up to 拢50 on 750ml of a clear colourless liquid available from any local tap; surely this is why somebody invented pipes? My personal abhorrence of current restaurant culture, where we are made to feel like some kind of social desperado when we ask for a glass of regular water makes the Aquatina crusade expecially dear to heart."
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