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Multi-inventor Rupert Sweet-Escott enters the Den carrying his pedal-powered hang gliding accessory on his back. His pitch, assisted by a friend suspended in mid-air on an airbike, is one of the most eccentric seen in the Den and leaves the Dragons confused and bemused.

Duncan Bannatyne collapses in laughter as he tries to ask how the contraption actually works but isn't amused to find that Rupert hasn't actually sold any yet.

Peter Jones asks about Rupert's sales predictions. The inventor says he will sell 50 in the first year with a £800 mark-up per unit. This fails to impress Peter who sees no investment opportunity and declares himself out.

Theo Paphitis wants to know more about the inventor and as Rupert talks through his CV the atmosphere in the Den becomes increasingly hysterical - in addition to his hang gliding pursuits, Rupert has interests in property in Italy, palm trees in Devon - and a roofing business.

Such an oddball mix is intriguing Duncan and when he presses Rupert further about his aviational enthusiasm the mood in the Den sobers instantly - a man who had cut his first gliding design at 17 and had turned over $800,000 in one year in the American market is not a man to be laughed at.

Deborah Meaden wants to know more about Rupert's patents and while he impresses her with his answers, she feels out of her depth - here is a business where she has no background, experience or knowledge and for those reasons she is out.

Theo Paphitis quickly follows suit for the same reasons and Duncan Bannatyne, while clearly warming to Rupert, can see no profit in his inventions and is also out.

Only James remains and in a surprise move he offers Rupert the money he is seeking, but because his ideas are untested, demands 50% equity. When Rupert asks whether he could be flexible on this, James concedes that Rupert as the inventor should keep a 51% stake. Rupert accepts the offer.

The deal done in the Den:

James Caan: £80,000 for a 49% stake in Sweet-Escott Aviation Ltd

Last updated: 15 July 2009