Theo Paphitis is the British Dragons' Den investor associated with the stationery retailer Ryman.
Paphitis is a Greek-Cypriot British businessman who became prominent in UK retail. He acquired Ryman, a stationery retailer, in the 1990s and expanded its presence through high-street stores and related retail activities.
He later joined Dragons' Den as one of its investors, where he became known for examining sales, margins, distribution and the practical operation of consumer businesses. His retail background made him especially associated with pitches involving products sold through shops.
Ryman is sometimes confused with other businesses linked to Paphitis, including Robert Dyas and Boux Avenue. Those brands are separate parts of his wider business interests, while Ryman is the stationery chain most directly associated with his public profile.