User:Entrepreneurtimes/Christian Lane (entrepreneur)

Christian Lane is a UK entrepreneur, known for his first appearance on the BBC TV show, Dragons' Den.

Christian started his first business in 2005, importing and distributing MP4 players online. Having completed his studies he invested all his profits into his first invention, called the Foldio. The Foldio portfolio range is the worlds only portfolio that curves documents without a crease. "I designed the product for architects and students so that they didnt have to struggle with large documents, its just not fashionable!"

In 2007 Christian pitched his product on Dragons' Den and sold 35% of the business to Theo Paphitis (Ryman) for £80,000. Since then, Christian has rolled out into Ryman stores, Staples UK, Hobby Craft and most other high street retailers. In 2009 the product become a worldwide success launching the range into Europe, Japan and the middle east.

In 2008 Christian spend time in Hong Kong to further develop the company and restructure its profit margins. Not having been to university, he told Entrepreneur Times that this was like his graduation.

In 2009 Christian was in negotiations with some of the biggest names in the industry and turned down an offer from Avery Dennison for a 12 Million pound distribution deal to take the business world wide. Stated in the entrepreneur times, Christian announced that he is not a corporate puppet, "You need to be free to stay creative, that's what moves the world forward".

Christian continues to expand his product and company by constantly innovating. Christian says "Stationery is an old industry and needed something new, wait until you see what we have next, this is just the beginning".

In 2011, Christian finalised negotiations to buy out his shareholders and take the company even further. Now working on his new product line, the Venture Lane Group (Holding Company to Christian Lane ventures) is set to set the bar even higher for innovation.

Venture Lane is backing the release of Christian's new book, Dragon Slayer set to be released in 2012. This is followed by a new series of proposed documentaries on young entrepreneurs, hosted by Christian in late 2012.