Who is Susie Ma? The Apprentice star, business owner – and now on Dragons’ Den

EntertainmentBusiness & Finance
13 Feb 2026 • 6:53 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • More than a decade after her memorable query on The Apprentice – "Are the French very fond of their children?" – Susie Ma has made a return to prime-time business television, this time as a Dragon.
  • Ma, who has since built the multimillion-pound beauty brand Tropic, is now recognised as one of The Apprentice's most successful alumni.
  • She has transitioned from candidate to investor, taking a seat alongside established figures Peter Jones, Deborah Meaden, Steven Bartlett and Touker Suleyman on Dragons' Den.
  • Thursday night's episode saw the panel appraise a diverse range of new ventures.
  • This included a money-saving app designed for new parents, creative children’s baking kits, an innovative AI-powered cat flap, and a practical portable composting toilet.