Dragons’ Den viewers slam ‘horrifically uncomfortable’ offer on £6,500,000 business
Dragons’ Den viewers have been left outraged by an ‘uncomfortable’ offer from Touker Suleyman over a haircare line from one young entrepreneur.
Lucie Macleod, 24, started brand Hair Syrup while trying to save money on haircare at university — her business is now projected to turn over £6,500,000 in 2025.
The dragons were initially impressed by the huge growth the business had achieved since 2019 when Lucie officially began selling her serums through TikTok.
However, it became increasingly clear that the young entrepreneur was out of her depth in the business side of things so the likes of Deborah Meaden and guest dragon Trinny Woodall were out.
Then Touker put an unusual offer on the table: Her asking investment of £190,000 for a 3% stake, as long as he gets his investment back in three months.
He would keep his stake in the company forever in return for his mentorship.
‘I want someone to grow with me and help me to not make mistakes I probably am going to make without someone,’ Lucie had replied when asked why she was in front of them.
Having made a huge amount of money herself, becoming a multimillionaire thanks to Hair Syrup, she admitted all she ‘wanted or needed’ was ‘mentorship’.
Touker’s offer even turned the heads of the other Dragons, who advised Lucie to think long and hard about this offer.
‘What?’ said Steven Bartlett in disbelief when the Hair Syrup founder initially agreed to the mentorship terms.
Deborah clarified: ‘You’re basically giving away those shares. I just need you to be really clear and understand.’
To the shock of the other Dragons — and viewers — an overwhelmed Lucie accepted the deal even after heading to the wall to think.
However, their concerned expressions made her question if this was the right decision and confessed she was now ‘nervous’.
Viewers had the same instinct and blasted Touker’s offer on X, calling it ‘shady’ and a ‘horrifically uncomfortable’ watch.
‘What a rotten deal lol basically just taking 3% for nothing,’ wrote prxtsh as Olly called it the ‘most greediest offer Touker has ever made’.
‘What have I just watched,’ asked Craig as Chris posted: ‘That was horrifically uncomfortable viewing.’
Damerella called the offer a ‘con’ as it was clear Lucie didn’t understand what exactly she was giving away.
On the show, Deborah asked if she understood she was ‘giving away’ 3% of her business, to which the entrepreneur replied ‘For free?’
After the response from his fellow dragons, Touker rescinded the offer, saying he didn’t want her to feel like he had ‘tried to trick’ her in any way.
‘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 and viewers alike were relieved the deal had not gone ahead with X user Scott Pugh saying: ‘That’s a very shady deal from Touker glad she didn’t take it.’
‘Naw I feel so bad for Lucie, thank god the other dragons peer pressured Touker into stopping that,’ wrote Saffron.
When Lucie left the den, Touker defended himself saying he had simply ‘tried to find a solution’ for the issue surrounding dividends and getting your money out.
Peter Jones praised the businessman for doing the ‘honourable thing’ in the end.
Dragons’ Den airs Thursdays at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
Dragons’ Den viewers slam ‘horrifically uncomfortable’ offer on £6,500,000 business