Quick Dragons’ Den Update on Kiddiwhizz
- Current Net Worth: As of 2024, Kiddiwhizz is valued at approximately £1 million, generating around £100,000 in annual sales.
- Dragons’ Investment: Zoë Chapman secured a deal for £50,000 in exchange for 10% equity from both Steven Bartlett and Sara Davies during her pitch on Dragons’ Den.
- Company Status: Still in business, with expanded product lines.
- Product Highlights: Kiddiwhizz whizzer, a portable potty-training device designed to help parents manage their children’s potty needs while on the go.
- Dragons’ Deal: Secured a £50,000 investment from Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett for 25% equity during Dragons’ Den.
- Founders: Zoë Chapman, a single mother with a background in caregiving, invented the Whizzer based on personal experiences and challenges.
- Recent Developments: The product line has expanded to include an adult version, catering to a wider market. The company is also focusing on increasing retail partnerships and exploring international markets.
- Price: The Kiddiwhizz whizzer is currently priced at £19.99 and is available for purchase on the Kiddiwhizz website and Amazon.
Kiddiwhizz didn’t just create the Whizzer, a portable and leakproof unisex toilet for children. They also sold over 65 units in a single demo and secured a £50,000 investment on Dragons’ Den.
The company’s growth is largely due to founder Zoë Chapman’s strong resilience, which helped drive product development and market expansion.
But it was Chapman’s ability to turn personal struggles into business strengths that made the biggest impact. Curious how this mindset shaped Kiddiwhizz’s journey? Keep reading to learn more.
Case Study: How Resilience Fueled Kiddiwhizz’s Success
Zoë Chapman’s pitch on Dragons’ Den was a vivid display of resilience. As she introduced the Whizzer, Chapman shared her backstory:
“I work day and night, 16 to 18 hours a day, so I live and breathe the business. And as a single mom, it’s just been me and my son”. Her deep personal commitment fueled her drive, with her product born out of personal necessity:
“Seven years ago, I was struggling to potty train my child while also providing end-of-life care for my father. I needed something compact and portable, so I invented my own”.
Chapman’s willingness to adapt her product based on feedback demonstrates how she turned challenges into stepping stones.
When Dragons like Peter Jones expressed concerns, such as “It is just for a whiz though, isn’t it? Not poo,” Chapman was ready with a response: “The attachment for the other one is coming”.
This quick pivot indicated her forward-thinking approach to product development.
Her persistence was also evident when discussing financial struggles: “I’ve personally invested £45,000, selling everything I owned, including my car”. This sacrifice highlights how Chapman not only survived but thrived by finding innovative ways to fund her venture.
Her determination to protect her invention’s intellectual property without professional legal help further demonstrates her grit: “I read up a lot and applied for my design Utility Patent for the UK myself”.
Chapman’s pitch also revealed the collaborative spirit that contributed to Kiddiwhizz’s success. Seeking investment, she openly expressed her desire for mentorship: “If anyone was to ever give me any advice or come on this journey with me, I would be absolutely grateful”.
This openness led to her securing a joint investment from Sara Davies and Steven Bartlett, who agreed to split the £50,000 for 25% equity each. The duo offered a mix of retail expertise and influencer marketing, precisely what Chapman needed to scale Kiddiwhizz effectively.
Harvard MBA-style Analysis: Why It Worked
Chapman’s journey is a testament to resilience-driven entrepreneurship. Her backstory of hardship—navigating single motherhood while caring for her father and starting a business—exemplifies how personal struggles can fuel business success.
As she put it: “I’ve chosen to utilize those skills… to keep on that path relentlessly”.
Her ability to pivot and adapt to market feedback—like expanding the Whizzer’s features to include an adult version—showcases strategic thinking. Chapman’s approach to handling adversity also aligns with the concept of turning setbacks into opportunities.
For example, when faced with IP hurdles, she read and learned independently, embodying the idea of thriving under pressure.
Chapman’s willingness to engage with mentors and collaborators, such as Dragons Davies and Bartlett, underscores how building a support network is crucial in developing resilience.
By aligning with experienced partners, Chapman not only expanded her market reach but also refined her strategy, proving that resilience involves both personal perseverance and the ability to accept help.
The Takeaway
Kiddiwhizz’s story shows that success isn’t about avoiding challenges but embracing them. Chapman’s resilience transformed personal hardship into entrepreneurial growth. By maintaining passion, continuously adapting, and seeking support, she turned Kiddiwhizz into a thriving venture.
How You Can Apply These Insights to Your Own Business
- Build Resilience: Chapman’s story shows that personal struggles can fuel business success. When you face challenges, see them as opportunities to innovate and grow, just as she did.
- Adapt and Pivot: Chapman’s response to product feedback—expanding the Whizzer for broader use—highlights the importance of listening and evolving based on market needs.
- Stay Passionate: Chapman’s deep commitment to solving a real problem helped her navigate tough times. Let your passion be the driving force, even when sacrifices are necessary.
- Thrive Under Pressure: Chapman’s approach to protecting her IP without legal help demonstrates that you can grow stronger through adversity, not just survive it.
- Seek Support: Building a network of mentors and collaborators, as Chapman did with the Dragons, is essential for scaling effectively.
By applying these principles, entrepreneurs can turn challenges into stepping stones for success, much like Kiddiwhizz did.
