Dragons’ Den Caan says “I’m Out!”

Dragons’ Den Caan says “I’m Out!”

James Caan has ruled himself out of the next series of the BBC’s hit show ‘Dragons' Den’ due to increasing work commitments.

Caan, who finished his fourth season on the Den in 2010, made his decision due to an increasingly busy work schedule and the commitments to his philanthropic activity in Pakistan.

“I have enjoyed my time in the Dragons' Den immensely, and it has been great working with the other dragons and the team on the show. However, my work and philanthropic interests mean I can’t devote the time required to the Den any longer. Dragons' Den has been an integral and exciting part of my professional life and I thank the show profusely for letting me be a part of it for so long. But, unfortunately, I’m out!"

During his four years with Dragons’ Den Caan has invested more than £1 million in budding entrepreneurs. He has always said that he invests in people as well as products which has introduced a new dynamic to the show and given a wider range of entrepreneurs a fighting chance of investment.

Dominic Bird, Executive Editor of Dragons' Den at the BBC said: “James has been a fearsome dragon over the last two years and although we'll be sorry to see him leave the den, we appreciate that he is very busy with his new endeavours. We wish him luck and hope to work with him again soon on new projects."

James Caan is CEO and founder of Hamilton Bradshaw Private Equity, which was recently announced as one of the ‘Top 50 Global Human Capital Companies’. Caan has been selected as part of Vince Cable’s Business Forum advising the government on new business policies. In 2010 he was appointed as Chairman of The Big Issue, and sits on the board of McCann Ericksson. Caan also recently launched HB Real Estate, a property venture which invests in the luxury residential London market.

This week Caan launched a new book published by Penguin based on his 30 years in the recruitment industry called “Get The Job You Really Want”, aimed at helping candidates of all ages and levels in their job search or career. The new publication follows in the footsteps of his best-selling autobiography, The Real Deal.

Caan also saw his philanthropic commitments escalate last year with The James Caan Foundation in the UK and abroad. He recently took on a commitment to help rebuild a village for 1,000 people in Pakistan following the devastating floods.

James’ enjoyable moments in the Dragons’ Den:

Best pitch: Peter Moule who presented the ‘Chocbox’ electrical gadget.

Worst pitch: A couple who pitched the idea of a bed sheet with a line down the middle, to help couples enjoy a better night’s sleep.

Favourite investment: FitFurLife owner Sammy French who presented the Dog Treadmill.