Penang-born entrepreneur William Chew successfully raised £50,000 for his chilli paste business, Mak Tok after an emotional pitch on BBC's Dragon's Den reality TV show.
William was the last of the five startup entrepreneurs in episode 3 season 17 who participated in the show to pitch to 5 multi-millionaires (also known as "Dragons")
The Malaysian entrepreneur made some of the world's toughest investors tear up because of his very moving story.
Mak Tok was launched together with William's cousin, Ng Shang Yin.
The young Malaysian decided to venture into the chilli paste business after growing up loving the recipe which was originally made by his mother.
Mak Tok chilli paste. Photo credit: New Straits Times.
While the other four Dragons (investors) declined to invest because William was unable to provide proper sales figures, one of the Dragons, Sarah Davies, decided to invest the full sum of £50,000 that he needed after she was moved by his story.
Today, Mak Tok currently sells the chilli paste in supermarkets, local delis, and farmshops in Yorkshire, UK.
The benefits I’ve gotten have gone beyond avoiding commuting, however. I’ve saved time and money, lowered my stress, and increased my work satisfaction.
