Birr's George gets Dragon backing

A BIRR entrepreneur is breathing a sign of relief this week having received financial backing after a nerve-wracking appearance on the new season of RTE's flagship business show, Dragon's Den last Sunday night.

George Dempsey Flanagan, who is a graphic designer, has been self-publishing his children's books and craft packs for the past couple of years under the business name, Mojo Creations.

A self-professed “maker of magic” 33-year old George applied to go on the show in the hopes of securing €30,000 for a 15% share of his business.

He told the panel of would-be investors of his lifelong interest in origami and of how his books and craft packs are inspired by his Origami Pet Whimsy Collection.

He explained that the books and craft packs go hand in hand, with the books introducing the light-hearted characters while the origami kits allow children to build them and their worlds.
After a shaky start on the show, the Birr man outlined his proposal and, while the Dragons seemed to like his idea, they could not see the growth potential in his proposals.
Gavin Duffy and Barry O'Sullivan decided not to invest, but the newest Dragon to the Show, Chanelle McCoy, decided to invest the full amount, but sought 25% in return. George Dempsey Flanagan was delighted to accept the offer.

Chanelle McCoy said the most important aspect of the business model was “getting the books on the shelves” and she liked the idea that George was offering an all-Irish product, which could be marketed and sold as being 100% Irish.

Mojo Creations is based in Birr, and to date has produced two books “Flopsy Hop the Rabbit” and “Swimsy the Goldfish.” The books, which also combine craft packs which teach children the ancient and delicate art of Japanese paperfolding, or origami, are aimed at four to seven year olds.