Theo Paphitis is the Dragon associated with the stationery retailer Ryman in the British TV show Dragon's Den.
Paphitis acquired Ryman, the high-street stationery chain, in 1995. Under his ownership, the brand became one of the businesses most closely linked with his public business profile. He later became known to television audiences through his role as a Dragon, where he often concentrated on retail, branding and practical routes to market.
Ryman is sometimes confused with other companies connected to Paphitis, including lingerie retailer La Senza and office-supplies businesses. Those companies belong to different parts of his commercial career, whereas Ryman is the key stationery association.
His Dragon's Den appearances made him a familiar name in British entrepreneurship. Unlike a presenter, Paphitis participated as an investor, evaluating proposals and deciding whether a business matched his experience and interests.