A food business founded by two graduates with just £500 has won a £70,000 investment on hit BBC show Dragons' Den.
Birmingham native Andrew Allen and his business partner Nick Coleman managed to schmooze Nick Jenkins, the founder of online greeting card business Moonpig, into investing in Snaffling Pig Co.
The business, which was launched two years ago, makes a range of flavoured pork crackling products.
The pair gave up a 20 per cent equity share in the company to Mr Jenkins, who described the snacks as "nicest pork crackling" he had ever tasted, but with the option to buy back ten per cent in the future.
His injection of capital will support Snaffling Pig Co's 海角视频 growth.
Mr Allen said: "It was a very much a considered decision to go on the show as it's the kind of environment where, if you've got holes in your offering, you'll get found out - in front of an audience of millions to boot.
"We know we're not everyone's cup of tea and you 100 per cent see that during our pitch but that's half the fun of the product - we love being someone's occasional guilty pleasure."
The company was launched after Mr Coleman had a bet with a friend as to who could make the most successful business starting with just £500.
Most Read
Some of the early business meetings were held in the Sacks of Potatoes pub, a popular haunt for students attending the Aston University campus, and also where the pair ended up to celebrate after securing the £70,000 investment.
Mr Coleman said: "Having Nick's skills and passion on board is a huge boost for the team and will help us accelerate our plans to take this little piggy to market in ways he has never been before. The den has proven to be a great springboard for food businesses in the past.
"Having spent the last two years building relationships with some amazing customers, we're beyond excited to see where the year ahead will take us."
Another Dragon, the food and beverage entrepreneur Sarah Willingham, also offered to stock the product across her venues.
Mr Jenkins added: "The most exciting part of Dragons' Den is finding businesses that have the perfect mix of team, product and market opportunity and helping them achieve their potential.
"Nick and Andy were able to demonstrate that Snaffling Pig ticked all of those boxes and as such I'm delighted with the investment."