Dragons' Den's Touker Suleyman issues statement as he quits show after 10 years
When it comes to financial advisors there are few better than the folks on Dragons' Den but business owners will have to convince someone new as Touker Suleyman prepares to step back from the show.
The fashion retail entrepreneur has been a mainstay of the show for the past decade alongside Peter Jones and Deborah Meaden, as well as fresh faces Steven Bartlett and Gary Neville.
Despite establishing himself as a fan's favourite on the show, the 72-year-old admitted that it was time to pass the torch as he confirms that he will no longer be an investor on the show going forward.
Taking to Instagram, the British-Turkish investor wrote: “After ten extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC’S Dragon’s Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show.
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“It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs and to invest in business and people I truly believed in.
“The show gave me a platform not only to invest in leading British founders and companies but to share hard-won wisdom built over decades in business – and I hope that, in some small way, I made a difference to those who stood opposite me.”
Suleyman will be reminiscing fondly on his time on the show, whether it was businesses he helped to grow, or even the opportunities he missed.
He explained: “At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most.
“I am proud of every deal I made, every pitch challenged and every founder I had the honour of backing. But I firmly believe that great institutions must evolve and it is time for new blood to take my seat in the Den and bring their own vision to this brilliant show.”
“Stepping back from Dragons’ will give me more time mentor entrepreneurs I have invested in and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated.
“If I can help the next generation avoid the pitfalls I’ve faced, seize the opportunities I almost missed and build businesses they are truly proud of, then that will be the most rewarding part of my career yet.”
Of course, there have been a number of occasions on the show over the years where no dragon has opted to invest in a company, and it's gone on to become a huge hit.
Two contestants who were told that their idea was 'delusional' went on to establish a pet food business worth more than £7,500,000, with Suleyman suggesting it was an idea he 'wouldn't even get out of bed for'.
The experienced entrepreneur will have had more wins than losses though, whether it be investments of thousands of pounds or even just £1, as he split a total investment of just £5 on Sooper Books with the other dragons back in season 21.
James Moorhouse