Key Highlights
- Susie Ma returns to BBC’s Dragons’ Den as a guest Dragon.
- She gained recognition from Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice in 2011.
- Tropic Skincare, her business, has been valued at £70 million.
- Ma is 37 years old and has a net worth of £73 million.
Susie Ma’s Journey from Market Stall to Dragon
Back in the day, Susie Ma was selling face scrubs on a market stall in Greenwich. Fast forward two decades, she’s now one of the guest Dragons on BBC’s Dragons’ Den. It’s not just any return; it’s a full-circle moment that showcases her growth from a young entrepreneur to a seasoned investor.
The Apprentice and Tropic Skincare
In 2011, Susie took part in The Apprentice where she presented her skincare line, Tropic. Her business plan impressed Lord Alan Sugar enough for him to invest £200,000 and take a 50% stake. Though they didn’t win the show, this partnership set the stage for future success.
Exponential Growth
The relationship between Susie and Lord Sugar wasn’t just financial; it was also transformative. Over the years, Tropic Skincare has grown exponentially. By 2023, the brand’s value reached £70 million. Susie’s decision to buy out Lord Sugar in that year marked a significant milestone in her business journey.
Dragons’ Den and Beyond
This season of Dragons’ Den sees Susie not only as an investor but also as a mentor, providing insights from both sides of the table. Her background and experience make her a valuable addition to the regular Dragons—Steven Bartlett, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones, and Touker Suleyman.
Speaking about her return, Susie said: “It’s an absolute honour to join the Den as a Guest Dragon. I started Tropic from a market stall at fifteen, and I know the grit, vision and belief it takes to turn a spark of an idea into something extraordinary.”
Net Worth and Future Prospects
According to The Times, Susie’s net worth is now £73 million. A large portion of this wealth comes from her sole ownership of Tropic Skincare. In 2025, she paid herself a significant sum of £20 million in dividends, further solidifying her position as a successful businesswoman.
Follow Susie on Instagram at @susiematropic to catch more behind-the-scenes glimpses of her journey and her involvement with Dragons’ Den.
With such a track record, it’s clear that this season promises not just investment pitches but also valuable insights from an experienced entrepreneur.
So, who is Susie Ma? She’s the face of Tropic Skincare, a former Apprentice contestant turned successful businesswoman, and now a Dragon herself. Her story is a testament to hard work and perseverance in the business world.