Dot Dot Bubble Tea, the UK’s first ready-to-drink bubble tea, is gearing up for a retail expansion after landing £50k from Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones on Dragons’ Den.
Founders Yandis Ying and Susie Lau received four offers from the Dragons, eventually opting to take the cash from Bartlett and Jones in return for 10% equity. They are now looking to secure additional funding to support a planned retail expansion.
The pair initially asked for £50k for 5%, valuing the business at £1m.
“We believe this is the perfect moment to take bubble tea beyond the high street, offering a premium, grab-and-go experience that seamlessly fits into modern consumer lifestyles,” said Ying.
Since the appearance on the BBC show, a note on Dot Dot’s website says it is “experiencing an overwhelming demand”, with stock temporarily unavailable.
“We are absolutely blown away by the incredible response…The demand has been overwhelming, and we’re working as fast as possible to restock and fulfil orders,” Ying added.
The brand has already secured listings in major retailers, foodservice and premium hospitality, including Selfridges, Harvey NIchols and Deliveroo Hop.
Dot Dot said it was now focused on securing listings in major supermarkets like Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, particularly within their meal deal offerings.
Last year it won several awards, including Lux Life’s ‘most innovative female-founded F&B startup’.
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