Viewers of Dragons’ Den were left feeling uneasy after Touker Suleyman made a young haircare entrepreneur an unusual offer during the show.
In a recent episode of the BBC’s popular programme, the den welcomed 24 year old Lucie Macleod who presented her Hair Syrup brand, a product she developed to trim down haircare costs while at university.
Lucie’s enterprise is forecasted to rake in a whopping £6.5 million by 2025, leaving the dragons initially impressed with the rapid growth since its inception in 2019, boosted by TikTok sales.
Yet, it quickly became clear that Lucie was having difficulties with the operational side of her business, prompting Deborah Meaden and guest dragon Trinny Woodall to step back from any potential deal.
Suleyman then proposed a deal on the spot: he’d invest the full £190,000 for just a 3% equity share with the condition of getting his investment back within three months, reports the Mirror.
In addition, he would continue to hold his stake post repayment, offering guidance as part of the agreement. Lucie revealed to the dragons her motivation for seeking their assistance, saying: “I want someone to grow with me and help me to not make mistakes I probably am going to make without someone.”
Despite achieving immense success with Hair Syrup, turning herself into a multimillionaire, Lucie admitted that what she really ‘wanted or needed’ was simply ‘mentorship’.
Touker’s proposition certainly piqued the interest of his fellow Dragons, who implored Lucie to mull over this offer with great care. Steven Bartlett was left gobsmacked, exclaiming “What?” in disbelief when the Hair Syrup founder initially agreed to the mentorship terms.
Deborah chimed in to clarify: “You’re basically giving away those shares. I just need you to be really clear and understand.”
In a shocking twist, Lucie accepted the deal, leaving her fellow Dragons and viewers at home stunned. However, their worried expressions caused her to second-guess her decision, confessing she was now feeling “nervous.”
Viewers were quick to voice their opinions on the incident online, slamming Touker’s offer as ‘shady’ and ‘horrifically uncomfortable’ to watch.
One viewer took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to comment: “What a rotten deal lol basically just taking 3% for nothing.”
Another dubbed it the “most greediest offer Touker has ever made”. “What have I just watched,” questioned another, with a fourth remarking: “That was horrifically uncomfortable viewing.”
On the show, Deborah queried Lucie if she comprehended that she was ‘giving away’ 3% of her business for free, which seemed to baffle the entrepreneur.
After observing the reactions of his fellow dragons, Touker retracted his offer, stating he didn’t want her to feel like he had ‘tried to trick’ her.
“I tell you what Lucie,” he continued. “I can feel you’re uncomfortable and I don’t want to take away 3% for nothing from your business so I’m out.”
Dragons’ Den and its viewers collectively exhaled in relief as a contentious deal collapsed. A viewer expressed their opinion on the outcome, tweeting, “That’s a very shady deal from Touker glad she didn’t take it.”
After Lucie’s departure, Touker Suleyman explained he had simply “tried to find a solution” to issues regarding dividends and cash withdrawal, while Peter Jones lauded him for doing the “honourable thing” in the end.
Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.