John Caudwell was the Dragon's Den investor associated with founding Phones 4u.
Caudwell and his brother Brian established the British mobile-phone retailer in the 1980s. The company became a major high-street and telecommunications retailer, helping make Caudwell one of Britain’s best-known business figures before his television appearance.
He appeared on the original UK Dragon's Den panel alongside other early investors. His business background gave him particular authority when contestants discussed retail, mobile technology and consumer products.
Phones 4u is often confused with Carphone Warehouse, another prominent British mobile-phone retailer. They were separate businesses with different founders. Caudwell later became widely known for philanthropy through the Caudwell Children charity, which supports disabled children.