Peter Jones Moved to Tears by ‘Gift to Humanity’ Health Founder
On a recent episode of Dragons’ Den, entrepreneur Rome Haghighat impressed the panel with his wellness brand, Health & Holistics. His pitch moved Peter Jones to tears, who described Haghighat as a “gift to humanity.”
Background of Rome Haghighat
Haghighat hails from Tottenham, North London, where he overcame a difficult childhood spent in children’s homes. He previously worked as an engineer and ran a construction business, creating a not-for-profit organization that supported young people.
Launch of Health & Holistics
Launched in 2024, Health & Holistics specializes in dietary supplements made from sea moss, a nutrient-rich red algae sourced from the Caribbean. The product line includes:
- Gels
- Capsules
- Soaps
- Detox drinks
Ingredients also feature shilajit, turmeric, ginger, bladderwrack, burdock, spirulina, and ashwagandha. Haghighat has utilized sea moss for years as a Muay Thai fighter to alleviate inflammation, which inspired him to create this brand.
The Investment Pitch
Seeking £100,000 for 10% equity, Haghighat made a memorable entrance by greeting the Dragons with “Blessings.” He shared samples of his gel-infused juices, which impressed the judges, particularly Peter Jones.
Dragon Reactions and Offers
The Dragons responded positively, with all four male judges vying for a stake in the business. Guest judge Tinie Tempah, who practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, noted that his children enjoy the product. Each Dragon offered £33,333 for a 10% share.
Equity Negotiations
Despite multiple offers, Haghighat expressed reluctance to part with more than 20% of his company, emphasizing his commitment to his family. Steven Bartlett suggested that the Dragons could reduce their equity to 21% if their investment returned within two years.
In the end, Haghighat opted to partner with Jones, Bartlett, and Tempah, recognizing the potential for his brand to thrive. The emotional moment marked a significant milestone for Haghighat and his vision for Health & Holistics, uniting passion with purpose.