Dragons’ Den star opens exclusive opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs

Ambitious students and recent graduates are invited to apply to an exclusive entrepreneurs' club jointly launched by former Dragons’ Den star, Theo Paphitis, and Chancellor of the University of Derby, William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington, offering direct access to some of the UK’s leading business figures. 

The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club is a new initiative by the University of Derby offering students and recent graduates access to the skills, confidence and networks to become future business leaders and innovators.  

The Club provides direct access to leading business figures, including senior leadership from McDonald's UK&I, Google, Amazon Business, Rolls-Royce, Unipart, the National Gallery, ICE Futures Europe and the Devonshire Group. 

Co-led by BBC Dragons’ Den star Theo Paphitis, alongside the University’s Chancellor Lord Burlington, the Club offers: 

• Exclusive mentoring from industry leaders 

• Live business challenges and skills workshops 

• Networking opportunities with business partners and alumni 

• Opportunities to demonstrate your leadership skills to help you stand out in your career 

Only a small cohort will be chosen to join the Club each year, and successful applicants will join a community of driven individuals following a competitive process.   

Theo Paphitis, who was appointed as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Derby in 2025, said: 

"The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club is about opening doors. It’s about giving ambitious students access to the kind of opportunities, networks and industry experience that make a real difference to their future, and I’m excited to welcome our first cohort of talent." 

Matt Snowden, Associate Provost of Industry Engagement at the University of Derby, said: 

“At Derby, we pride ourselves on being an industry-engaged university, where our students don’t just learn about business - they experience it first-hand through meaningful connections with leading organisations.  

“The Chancellor’s Entrepreneurs’ Club offers an exceptional opportunity for students and recent graduates to have direct access to influential business leaders, stand out in a competitive landscape, and be part of a community that will support their success long after they graduate.” 

Open to students from any course and recent University of Derby alumni (those who have graduated within the last three years), the Club is welcoming applications before the closing date on 20 April. Candidates must submit a short elevator pitch video explaining why they should be selected. 

The initiative falls as part of the University’s ‘three-year promise’ for alumni, offering the same level of dedicated careers and employment support as current students.  

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