A tense confrontation erupted in the latest episode of Dragons' Den between Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman during a pitch for a new toilet gel that turns bathroom tissue into a wet wipe. The product, invented by entrepreneurs Ellie and Georgia, sparked a disagreement over its target market, with Suleyman favouring the baby market and Bartlett arguing for adults.
The exchange turned personal when Suleyman, raising his voice and waving his finger, told Bartlett: 'Never disagree with me, I've got a lot more experience than you've got.' Bartlett responded by raising his eyebrows and retorting: 'Social media?' Suleyman then asked: 'What do you know about business?'
Bartlett, visibly shocked, replied: 'I know about business, Touker. I built a £300m business at 28 years old.' Suleyman sarcastically added: 'Talk about social media.' The other Dragons looked taken aback as the tension hung in the air.
After the pitch, entrepreneur Ellie commented: 'I think the fire between Steven and Touker was interesting.' Her partner Georgia added: 'I'm Italian so it didn't even register.' Suleyman later leaned over to Bartlett and said: 'What happens in the Den, stays in the Den.'
Earlier in the episode, Suleyman also clashed with Deborah Meaden during a pitch for a luxury baby-bouncer. When entrepreneur Sophie struggled to account for £50,000 in spending, Meaden turned to Suleyman and said: 'Alright Touker, you tell me.' Suleyman defended Sophie, saying: 'I think she's in a very difficult position, Deborah, and she's very nervous.'
