A tense and uncomfortable moment unfolded on the latest episode of Dragons’ Den, leaving viewers stunned as a young entrepreneur nearly gave away shares of her booming business for next to nothing.

The exchange, which took place on Tuesday’s episode, sparked an outcry on social media, with fans calling out the deal as unfair.

Hair Syrup’s Impressive Journey

Lucie Macleod, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Wales, entered the Den seeking a £190,000 investment in exchange for just 3% equity in her business, Hair Syrup.

What started as a simple university experiment turned into a viral sensation on TikTok, catapulting her natural hair and scalp oil brand into massive success.

Lucie presented an impressive financial track record to the Dragons.

Her business saw a steady rise in revenue—from £130,000 in 2022 to £1.3 million in 2023, with net profits surging to £400,000.

By the end of 2023, Hair Syrup had skyrocketed to a £4.5 million turnover with a post-tax net profit of £1.4 million.

With projections to hit £6.5 million in 2024, Lucie’s ambition was clear—global expansion.

Dragons React to the Pitch

Despite Lucie’s success, Dragons Deborah Meaden, Sara Davies, and Trinny Woodall chose to step back from making an offer.

However, Touker Suleyman was intrigued. He asked Lucie what she truly wanted from a Dragon, to which she responded that she needed guidance to avoid costly mistakes.

Acknowledging her need for mentorship, Touker made an offer: the full £190,000 investment in return for the 3% equity—on one condition.

He wanted his money repaid within three months but still wanted to retain the shares.

The Uncomfortable Exchange

Lucie, seemingly unphased by the condition, quickly accepted.

The reaction in the room, however, was one of shock.

Fellow Dragon Steven Bartlett audibly exclaimed, “What?!”, while Deborah Meaden immediately cautioned Lucie, explaining that she was essentially handing over 3% of her company for free.

Sensing the tension, Lucie stepped away to reflect.

When she returned, she reaffirmed her decision, stating that she believed having a Dragon on board was worth the equity.

But the reactions from the panel left her questioning the choice.

Confused, she asked, “Why is everyone making that face?”

Deborah once again emphasized that the deal was heavily skewed in Touker’s favor.

Realizing the discomfort in the room, Touker clarified that he didn’t want Lucie to feel pressured.

In a surprising turn, he then withdrew his offer entirely.

Viewers Call Out the ‘Rotten Deal’

Fans of the show took to social media to express their disbelief at the exchange.

One viewer posted, “What a rotten deal, lol. He was literally taking 3% for nothing! #DragonsDen”.

Another commented, “What did I just watch?”, while a third described the scene as “horrifically uncomfortable viewing.”

With the dramatic moment now sparking discussions online, Dragons’ Den continues to captivate audiences with its high-stakes business negotiations.

The show airs on BBC One and is available to stream on iPlayer.

Will Lucie’s business continue to thrive without the backing of a Dragon? Only time will tell.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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