Fourteen years after winning the hit show, the first-ever Apprentice candidate to receive investment instead of a job offer is stepping out on his own. Tom Pellereau, the entrepreneur behind the rapidly growing electrical beauty-tech brand Stylpro, has bought out Lord Sugar’s shares in the company.
Lord Sugar initially recognized Pellereau’s potential back in 2011, describing him as a “naïve inventor with ideas and drive” who desperately needed business guidance. He saw something special, a spark of innovation that led him to invest in Pellereau’s products rather than offer the traditional employment contract.
The decision to part ways, according to Sugar, comes at a moment when Stylpro is poised for even greater success. He believes granting Pellereau full ownership will allow the company to reach “new heights,” trusting in the entrepreneur’s vision and the team he’s built.
Pellereau himself expressed profound gratitude for Sugar’s investment and mentorship. He acknowledged the invaluable time, knowledge, and guidance received over the years, recognizing the pivotal role Sugar played in transforming his initial ideas into a thriving business.
Their partnership wasn’t without its challenges. Pellereau previously described Sugar as a demanding figure, a “headmaster” who consistently pushed him to excel. It was a dynamic relationship, filled with both “ups and downs,” yet ultimately built on mutual respect and a shared drive for success.
The synergy between the two stemmed from their shared background in product-based businesses. Sugar, who built his empire on consumer electronics, found a natural connection with Pellereau’s inventions, offering crucial support in navigating retail deals and supplier relationships.
Pellereau believes this shared understanding was key to securing the unique investment deal. He suggests that other businesses presented by candidates in subsequent seasons may have lacked the same level of alignment with Sugar’s expertise and interests.
Looking back, Pellereau views the journey with “deep gratitude and happy memories.” He now embarks on a new chapter, fully owning the company he painstakingly built, ready to steer Stylpro towards its next phase of growth and innovation.
