Touker Suleyman in Dragons' Den S22E13 / BBC
Touker Suleyman has announced that he is stepping down from the panel of Dragons’ Den after 11 years.
The businessman, 72, joined the long-running show in 2015 and has since made around 60 investments in developing businesses but has now made the decision to quit, with his final episodes airing later this year.
In a lengthy statement posted to social media, Suleyman 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. 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.
“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.
“Fans of the series can still catch me in action. I hope you will tune in and enjoy what has been a truly memorable run in the Den.
“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.
“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.”
A replacement for Suleyman is expected to be announced later this year ahead of the 2027 series.
