Businessman Shaf Rasul has died at the age of 55, his family has confirmed. He appeared on the BBC Dragons’ Den Online series in 2009
20:06, 26 Feb 2026Updated 20:06, 26 Feb 2026
(Image: Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser)
A former Dragons’ Den star has passed away aged 55. Entrepreneur Shaf Rasul is believed to have died at his home following a sudden illness.
He had featured on the BBC online spin-off of Dragons’ Den following its 2009 debut. His relatives issued a heartfelt statement after his passing, which said: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shafqat Rasul.
“A devoted father to Sohaib and Sarah Rasul, a loving husband to Nabila Rasul, a cherished son of the late Haji Ghulam Rasul and Parveen Akhtar, and a dear brother to Zahid, Shahid, Ashfaq, Ml Abid and Juwariah.”
The message from his family went on: “We humbly request your duas for the deceased and strength and patience for the family during this difficult time.”
Shaf appeared in Dragons’ Den: Online. The dedicated web-based variant of the programme maintained the identical structure as its television counterpart, reports the Mirror.
Shaf Rasul on Dragons Den
It was hosted by Dominic Byrne and showcased Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer as the Dragons. The weekly instalments featuring the entrepreneur ran from 16 September 2009 to 7 October 2009.
He launched his commercial ventures in the early 1990s and subsequently became a self-made multi-millionaire following the creation of E-Net Computers.
Twelve months prior to his Dragons’ Den appearance, Shaf secured a position among the top 20 in the UK Asian Rich List. Among those honouring the businessman after his passing was Chris Gilmour.
The co-founder of PR firm Tigerbond told the Sun: “Shaf was a client for nearly 25 years and didn’t change a bit. He was always full of the same boundless enthusiasm for life and business..
“There are so many people out there whose lives were touched by his kindness and he was always happy to dispense advice to budding entrepreneurs.”
He continued: “I still remember one of the first times I met him and he welcomed a colleague and me into his office – and introduced us to a tank of piranhas!”.
Other social media users shared their own tributes. A former schoolmate posted: “I’m shocked to hear this. I was at school with Shaf, such a smart, funny guy.”
And another online commenter stated: “Our friend Shaf has moved on to what I hope is a better place. I shall never forget your infectious and beautiful approach to life.
“Your positivity, your embrace, your massive smile and your warm handshake. You always asked ‘of other people’ – never concerned about yourself.
“Now we are thinking of you and your astonishing achievements. Most of all, we are thinking of how you made us all feel – and that will be what I will always remember.”