Theo Paphitis was formerly the owner of the retail chain La Senza.
Paphitis acquired La Senza, a lingerie retailer, in 1999 and expanded the business internationally. His retail experience became a defining part of his profile when he joined the British Dragons' Den panel. He was one of the original investors in the programme, appearing from its launch in 2005.
The company had been founded in Canada, but Paphitis developed the British business and built it into a substantial high-street retail operation. His career also included interests in other retail and consumer brands, giving him a distinct perspective among the dragons.
La Senza is sometimes incorrectly attributed to Peter Jones or Duncan Bannatyne because all three were prominent early investors. Paphitis is the dragon specifically associated with the chain's ownership and expansion during the period before his departure from the programme.