Businessman Touker Suleyman has announced his shock departure from BBC's Dragon's Den after over ten years on the show. The 72-year-old entrepreneur, known for owning British menswear retailer Hawes & Curtis, joined the programme during its 13th series in 2015. Over his tenure, he invested more than £3 million in a variety of businesses, including successful ventures such as Tru-Tension, Gener8 Ads, Mood Bears, and BodyXCore.
Heartfelt Announcement
Suleyman shared the news on Instagram, writing a heartfelt statement to his followers. He said: "After ten extraordinary years as a Dragon on BBC's Dragon's Den, I have made the decision to step down from the show. It has been an immense privilege to sit in that chair, to meet so many passionate and talented entrepreneurs, and to invest in businesses and people I truly believed in."
He added: "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."
Passing the Torch
Explaining his decision, Suleyman said he feels the time is right for a new generation of entrepreneurs to take centre stage. He reflected: "At 72, I find myself reflecting on what matters most. I am proud of every deal I made, every pitch I 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."
Viewers will still see Suleyman on screen for a while, as his final episodes are set to air later this year. He stressed that his departure does not mark the end of his business career. Instead, he plans to dedicate more time to mentoring the entrepreneurs he has already backed and sharing his experience.
Future Plans
"Stepping back from Dragon's Den will give me more time to mentor entrepreneurs I have invested in and to give back the 50 years of business experience I have accumulated," he said. "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."
Concluding his farewell, Suleyman thanked the BBC, his fellow Dragons, and the entrepreneurs. "To the BBC, to my fellow Dragons past and present, to the production team, and above all to the entrepreneurs who dared to walk through those doors – thank you. It has been one of the great joys of my career. The fire in the Den burns on. I simply pass the torch."
