Linney, who replaced Theo Paphitis when he joined the show two years ago, has made nine deals since joining the panel of investors two years ago including a Lost My Name. He invested £100,000 in the company which received a valuation of £2.5 million, the highest ever valuation in Dragons’ Den history.
Announcing his departure, the founder of clouding computing firm Outsourcey said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my time on Dragons’ Den and feel honoured to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an iconic and long-running TV show and to have been the first Dragon with Afro Caribbean heritage.
“It is now the right time for me to move on, although entrepreneurship and diversity are two of my greatest passions so I will continue to focus my energies on supporting both.
“It has been a great experience and a pleasure to share with millions of viewers the growing importance of digital innovation and how the technology and creative sectors are making their profound marks on the evolving landscape of British business. It will be interesting to see who takes my seat.”
The BBC have yet to announce who will replace the three departing entrepreneurs, but the Ultimo founder Michelle Mone who recently sold her majority shareholding in the underwear company has previously made it public that she would be interested in taking up one of the chairs on the show.
