Zara Paul and Aaron Morris, co-founders of Choppity, impress Dragons with their AI-powered video editing platform, showcasing inclusivity and ambition.
Zara Paul and Aaron Morris, a married couple and co-founders of Choppity, a Durham-based AI-powered video editing platform, recently made headlines after their appearance on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. The pair, who met while studying at university in 2019, have created a platform that simplifies the video editing process for businesses and content creators, gaining traction with major companies like ITN, Autotrader, Turtle Bay, and Sonatype.
In their pitch, Zara represented the LGBTQ+ community as an openly non-binary contestant, highlighting the inclusivity of the BBC. “Knowing the inclusive values the BBC holds as an organisation, it was no surprise to me when the team was extremely accommodating around the use of my pronouns,” they remarked. This showcases a commitment to promoting diversity and encouraging fellow members of the LGBTQ+ community to pursue their business ambitions.
During the episode, which aired recently, the couple offered 6% equity in their business in exchange for investment, ultimately receiving three investment proposals. Peter Jones, one of the prominent Dragons, presented a deal of £100,000 for 15% of Choppity, with the option to reduce his stake to 12.5% if the investment is repaid in 2025. Zara reflected on the experience, stating, “It was an unforgettable moment to be in that room, presenting something we’ve worked so hard on. Then to receive three investment offers from some of the UK’s top entrepreneurs was just incredible.”
Interestingly, Zara mentioned that they had dreamt the night before their pitch that Peter would offer them a deal, making the actual occurrence all the more surreal. However, despite the excitement during filming, the co-founders and Peter Jones have mutually decided not to move forward with the investment following the conclusion of the show, a scenario that is not uncommon after filming.
Looking ahead, the couple remains optimistic about the future of Choppity. They plan to unveil new editing services aimed at enhancing the platform’s functionality and broaden its applications for users. Zara and Aaron both bring valuable expertise to the table: Zara holds a background in computer science, mathematics, and automation, while Aaron specialises in computer science, video editing, and graphic design.
“Choppity is our baby, and it’s taught us how to communicate better with each other, which we are thankful for,” Zara added, reflecting on their journey as both entrepreneurs and partners. The couple’s dedication to building their business and their personal relationship continues to fuel their ambition as they navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by their television debut.
Source: Noah Wire Services