Touker Suleyman, the Turkish-Cypriot entrepreneur, has made a name for himself as a fashion investor and business tycoon, amassing an estimated net worth of over £200 million. As a familiar face on BBC’s Dragons’ Den, he is known for his strategic investments and sharp business acumen. His journey from humble beginnings to multi-millionaire status is an inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and business success.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 4, 1953, in Famagusta, Cyprus, Touker Suleyman and his family moved to the United Kingdom in 1958. The transition was not easy—he arrived in England unable to speak English and faced challenges adapting to his new surroundings. Life threw another challenge his way when, at just 10 years old, he suffered a severe hand infection that left him at risk of losing his left hand. As a result, he missed an entire year of school, making his childhood far from easy.
Despite these early setbacks, Suleyman developed a strong entrepreneurial spirit, which he attributes to his father, who ran a restaurant in Camberwell, South London. Working alongside his father, he learned the fundamentals of business and hard work, ultimately inspiring him to create his own path in the corporate world.
Fashion Industry Success and Major Investments
Touker Suleyman is best known for his business acumen in the fashion industry. His most famous deal came in 2001, when his company, Low Profile Group, acquired Hawes & Curtis, a British luxury shirtmaker, for just £1. Under his leadership, the brand expanded rapidly, opening 30 stores across the UK and one in Germany by 2014.
In 2008, he made another strategic acquisition, purchasing the fashion brand Ghost, which at the time was struggling financially. His intervention saved 142 jobs and revitalized the company, securing its place in the industry. In addition to these ventures, he has also invested in numerous start-ups, including the bicycle marketplace Bikesoup.
Dragons’ Den and TV Career
In 2015, Suleyman joined the panel of BBC’s Dragons’ Den as an investor, bringing decades of experience to the show. His sharp business insights and straightforward approach have made him one of the most recognizable Dragons. Over the years, he has invested in numerous businesses through the show, supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs in industries ranging from tech to retail and fashion.
His presence on the show also brought a new level of public recognition, further solidifying his influence in the business world. He continues to appear on Dragons’ Den, evaluating innovative business pitches and mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Notable Dragons’ Den Investments
Some of the notable businesses Touker Suleyman has backed on Dragons’ Den include:
- Bad Brownie – A luxury brownie brand that has since expanded across the UK.
- Huxley & Cox – A luxury handbag brand that gained significant traction after his investment.
- Personify XP – A cutting-edge artificial intelligence company.
Personal Life and Family
Despite his public persona, Touker Suleyman is known for keeping his personal life relatively private. He has two daughters, whom he credits as his motivation for success. While he is not married, he remains dedicated to providing for his family and instilling in them the values of hard work and entrepreneurship.
Real Estate and Luxury Lifestyle
Suleyman has used part of his significant wealth to invest in luxury real estate. One of his most remarkable properties is a £20 million “James Bond-style” mansion in South London. This ultra-modern home has been rented by A-list celebrities, including David and Victoria Beckham.
Aside from real estate, he enjoys the finer things in life, from luxury cars to exclusive fashion. His wealth has afforded him a lavish lifestyle, but his business ventures remain his top priority.
Dragons’ Den: What’s Next?
As Dragons’ Den enters its 21st season in January 2024, fans can expect to see Touker Suleyman return alongside his fellow Dragons. This season, a special guest—former footballer turned businessman Gary Neville—will join the panel, bringing a fresh perspective to the show.
Neville has spoken about his excitement to be part of the show, stating:
“I hope my personal journey shows that you can take the experiences you’ve had in one part of your career and use them to do something entirely different and make it a success.”
With this exciting new addition, the upcoming season of Dragons’ Den is set to be more engaging than ever, with Touker Suleyman continuing his legacy as a seasoned investor and mentor.
