I was on The Apprentice, got made bankrupt twice and faced fraud allegations – now I’m moving to America for my dream
HE rose to fame on the first ever series of The Apprentice back 2005 and has had very rocky road in business since.
Serial entrepreneur Raj Dhonota, now 49, made a name for himself on the reality show before being fired by Lord Sugar in week nine – narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
Since then Raj has been made bankrupt twice and has faced fraud allegations.
He’s now ready to say goodbye to the UK and move around the world to California to launch an exciting new tech venture.
He revealed: “For two decades, I’ve ridden the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, earning millions and losing millions.
“My path has been through the high-stakes arena of cutting-edge ventures, filled with exhilarating highs and heart-breaking lows. After the latest twist in my journey, I’m steering a new course: my final business venture, based on my experiences over the last 20 years.
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“Launching a business in the US has always been a goal of mine and now, it’s finally happening. Over the past year, I have been meticulously crafting a venture tailored for the American market.
“This venture will capture all of my attention for the foreseeable future - I’m dedicating the next five years to ensure its success. After that, I’ll be stepping back and heading into retirement!”
Raj now runs a successful beauty business in Kent with his wife, with turnover touching £1million, supported by a team of 20, and there are plans to expand to a second location soon.
But it hasn’t all been plain sailing - he was declared bankrupt in 2023, following his first bankruptcy in 2001.
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And in 2020 he hit the headlines after he ran into financial troubles, primarily caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, and staff wages at one of his companies, Igniva Solutions, went unpaid for a time.
It culminated in a number of fraud allegations being made against him, which after a near year-long investigation by the Metropolitan Police found no evidence of criminal activity or any wrongdoing.
He voluntarily co-operated with the police and Raj admits that the police investigation was the best thing that could have happened to him because it cleared his name.
The first series of Apprentice was ultimately won by Tim Campbell, who is now sits beside Lord Sugar on the panel.
