Susie Ma Steps into the Dragons' Den as a Guest Investor
Dragons' Den season 29 is currently underway, with aspiring entrepreneurs presenting their ventures in pursuit of crucial investment. This week, the show welcomes a notable newcomer to its panel: Susie Ma, the founder and CEO of Tropic Skincare. While she joins as a guest Dragon, this marks a significant moment for the BBC One programme, which has seen temporary replacements following Sara Davies's departure last year.
Who is Susie Ma?
Susie Ma is the visionary behind Tropic Skincare, an ethical and vegan beauty brand that reportedly generates an impressive annual turnover of £68 million. Her journey began modestly, selling homemade body scrubs at London's Greenwich Market to support her mother financially. Today, Tropic has evolved into a multi-award-winning natural skincare company, boasting millions of customers and over 38,000 Ambassadors worldwide.
Her television experience is not new; she previously reached the finals of BBC's The Apprentice in 2011. Although she did not win the competition, Lord Sugar recognised her potential and invested £200,000 to become a partner in her business. Three years ago, Susie successfully bought out Lord Sugar, securing sole ownership of Tropic Skincare.
A Season of Guest Dragons
Following Sara Davies's decision to take a break from Dragons' Den, the show has opted for guest Dragons rather than a permanent replacement. Last week, Jenna Meek, co-founder and CEO of REFY, joined the panel alongside regulars Deborah Meaden, Touker Suleyman, Peter Jones, and Steven Bartlett. Susie Ma now takes her turn in the iconic chair, bringing over two decades of business acumen to the den.
In 2024, she was named in The Sunday Times 40 Under 40 list, highlighting her achievements and influence in the business world. Announcing her role on Facebook last year, Susie expressed excitement about supporting ambitious entrepreneurs. She stated, "I started Tropic from a market stall at 15, and I know the grit, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary." She emphasised her commitment to backing bold, purpose-driven businesses and helping founders realise their dreams.
What to Expect from Susie Ma on Dragons' Den
With her extensive background in ethical consumer goods and hands-on entrepreneurial experience, Susie Ma is poised to offer unique insights and potentially lucrative deals to contestants. Her appearance underscores the show's ongoing evolution and its focus on diverse business perspectives. Dragons' Den continues to air every Thursday at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, providing a platform for innovative ideas and dynamic investments.
