Kelly Hoppen first became a Dragon on the BBC programme Dragon's Den in 2013. She joined the investor panel for the eleventh series, bringing her experience as an internationally recognised interior designer and business owner.
Hoppen is associated with a minimalist design style often described as combining neutral colours, clean lines and luxurious materials. She built a design business serving residential and commercial clients and also developed branded home products.
Her tenure illustrates how the BBC recruited investors from outside traditional finance. Alongside entrepreneurs known for technology, retail or manufacturing, Hoppen evaluated pitches through branding, design, customer appeal and the potential to build a recognisable consumer proposition.