Theo Paphitis was the Dragon associated with the stationery retailer Ryman in the British television series Dragon's Den.
Paphitis acquired Ryman, the British stationery and office-supplies chain, and became closely identified with its growth. The retailer's shops have long sold items such as paper, writing equipment, office accessories and school supplies, making it a familiar high-street name in the United Kingdom.
Paphitis's retail background shaped his approach in the den. He could assess pitches through questions about margins, shelf space, repeat purchases, brand positioning and the difficulty of reaching customers through established retailers. These issues are especially important for product-based businesses.
The association is sometimes confused with the other Dragons' consumer and retail investments. Ryman is specifically linked to Paphitis, while the wider set of companies in his portfolio includes other brands and acquisitions. His television appearances helped make the business connection widely known.