Michelle Mone founded the lingerie retailer Ultimo before appearing on the British TV programme Dragon's Den.
Mone established Ultimo in the United Kingdom in 1996. The brand became known for fashion-led lingerie designed to combine appearance with structured support, and it developed a substantial profile through retail distribution and celebrity publicity.
Her business background made her a natural fit for Dragon's Den, where she joined the panel as a guest Dragon. Mone's experience was rooted in product development, fashion, branding and consumer retail rather than in the technology or finance sectors often associated with venture investment.
The Ultimo name is sometimes treated as a product rather than a company, but it was the lingerie brand created by Mone and her then-husband Michael. Mone later became known for public work, philanthropy and business ventures beyond lingerie. The important identification point is that Ultimo was her signature entrepreneurial creation before her television appearances.