Theo Paphitis acquired the stationery retailer Ryman in 1995 before becoming a Dragons' Den investor.
Paphitis built his reputation through retail, and the Ryman deal became a major part of his business career. Ryman, founded in London in 1893, specialises in stationery, office supplies, and related products. Under Paphitis, the business expanded its retail presence and became strongly associated with his portfolio.
Paphitis joined Dragons' Den as an investor in the programme's second series. His practical retail experience shaped the questions he asked entrepreneurs, particularly when products required distribution, shelf space, or a scalable sales strategy.
Ryman is sometimes confused with other British stationery chains, including WHSmith and Paperchase. Those are separate retailers. The relevant fact here is Paphitis's acquisition of Ryman in 1995, not a later investment made on television.