Who is Tej Lalvani and what is the Dragons’ Den investor’s net worth?
TEJ Lalvani is a tough Dragon to impress but he's already built a reputation for being keen to invest.
Here's everything you need to know about the Dragons' Den investor, including his net worth and all you need to know about his company Vitabiotics...
Who is Tej Lalvani and what is the Dragons' Den star's net worth?
Tej Lalvani was born July 13, 1974, and is the CEO of the UK's largest vitamin company Vitabiotics.
The businessman grew up in Bangalore in Southern India, before moving to London at the age of 16.
However the business chief is best known for being part of the investors' panel on Dragons' Den, a role in which he secured in 2017.
He also runs a property business in London with his wife Tara Ruby, whom he married in 2011.
Tej has a reported net worth of £275 million through his portfolio of properties and his title as the 'Prince of Vitamins'.
However Lalvani announced that the upcoming eighteenth series of Dragons' Den will be his last. He said: “I’m truly excited for the upcoming series of Dragons’ Den, which looks set to be one of the best.
“However after an incredibly enjoyable four years as a Dragon I have decided that this next series will be my last.”
What is his company Vitabiotics?
Tej Lalvani is currently the CEO of Vitabiotics - the largest vitamin company in the UK by value sales. The company has a current group turnover of over £300 million a year.
Tej joined Vitabiotics as soon as he left university, working his way through the company including as a forklift driver before becoming its chief operating officer in 2008 and then boss in 2015.
He inherited the company from his father, Kartar Lalvani - who founded Vitabiotics in 1971 and still remains as chairman.
Vitabiotics now sell popular brands such as Wellman, Perfectil and Pregnacare in more than 100 countries, and in 2013, they received a Queen's Award for Innovation in vitamin research.
More on The Dragons'
What is Dragons' Den?
Budding entrepreneurs get three minutes to pitch their business ideas to five multimillionaires who are willing to invest their own cash to kick-start the businesses.
After each pitch, the Dragons have the opportunity to ask questions about the venture.
The entrepreneurs don't always have to answer, but of course, what they choose not to address could very well affect the outcome.
A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion.
The line up this year includes two new Dragons.
Supplement supremo Tej and savvy entrepreneur Sara Davies- will be brandishing their chequebooks alongside serial investor Deborah Meaden, technology titan Peter Jones and fashion retail tycoon Touker Suleyman.