In October 2025 , the UK’s iconic venture capital show Dragons’ Den witnessed a historic episode: beauty tech disruptor Yuv not only smashed the show’s funding record but also captured industry imagination with its AI-powered, cartridge-based hair color innovation.
Championing smarter salons and more sustainable beauty, Yuv is led by visionary entrepreneur Francisco Gimenez , and has now set the bar for investment in the sector. A Game-Changing Pitch on Dragons’ Den Yuv’s debut was unlike any other in Dragons’
Den’s two-decade history. In this landmark episode, CEO Francisco Gimenez introduced the world to Yuv Lab , a hardware and software system for salons that promises the ultimate in color accuracy , waste reduction, and salon efficiency. The deal sent ripples through the Den .
Gimenez previously founded and exited eSalon, and now he’s applying his tech, beauty, and D2C know-how to revolutionize the salon experience. Yuv Lab’s appeal is rooted in its Nespresso for hair color concept, which combines AI, refillable cartridges, a digital formulation platform, and a paperless client history system.
Its monthly lease-and-consumables model lets salons maximize precision, sustainability, and profitability. Investors’ Reactions and Industry Impact Bartlett and Davies described Yuv as a true game-changer and the product every stylist will want.
Gimenez reflected that receiving recognition and offers from five investors—and securing partnerships with Steven and Sara —is extraordinary. This moment belongs to professional stylists as much as to them…
