Stephen Keane, a determined entrepreneur hailing from Ireland, is preparing to present his innovative creation, The Fact Factory, on the upcoming instalment of Dragons’ Den. A former primary school educator and the founder of News Mag Media Ltd, Keane has dedicated himself to producing a periodical tailored to children with visual impairments and learning challenges.
The impetus for The Fact Factory sprang from a poignant encounter with a nine-year-old girl who lost her eyesight due to cancer. This encounter ignited a four-year odyssey to bring Keane’s vision to fruition, an odyssey he delineated as both formidable and extraordinarily gratifying. During an interview with the Irish Independent, Keane expounded, “When we endeavoured to fabricate a publication that every child could relish, and following discussions with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI), we discerned this was indispensable for children. We simply had to ascertain the best approach.”
The Fact Factory is a series of audio-print magazines penned and narrated to accommodate readers with print disabilities including dyslexia and visual impairment. Its distinctive aspect lies in the fact that the magazines are voiced by children from various parts of the globe, delivering a screen-free reading and auditory experience. The content encompasses an array of intriguing facts on subjects such as animals, insects, marine life, the human anatomy, renowned edifices, and historical figures. This groundbreaking reading package is the fruit of collaboration with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland (DAI) and the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI).
Keane and The Fact Factory will be showcased on Dragons’ Den alongside other business proprietors, as they endeavour to secure the support of the distinguished investors. The episode is scheduled to be broadcast this evening on BBC One at 8 pm, offering Keane the chance to showcase his creation to the panel of Dragons.
In conjunction with Keane’s appearance, Dragons’ Den has remained a popular programme since its debut in 2005. Throughout the years, it has featured a plethora of affluent investors, including Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Sara Davies, and Steven Bartlett, who currently star on the show. Other noteworthy investors from previous seasons comprise Duncan Bannatyne, Theo Paphitis, and Kelly Hoppen, among others. With such a rich legacy, Dragons’ Den has evolved into a platform for entrepreneurs to actualize their concepts and leave their imprint on the business landscape.
As Keane and The Fact Factory assume centre stage in this evening’s episode, it presents a promising opportunity for both the product and its originator. The audience eagerly awaits the response of the Dragons to this innovative and impactful venture. With its potential to effect positive change in the lives of children with print disabilities, The Fact Factory serves as a testament to Keane’s commitment and zeal for effecting constructive transformation.