John Caudwell is the Dragon's Den investor known for founding the mobile-phone retailer Phones 4u.
Caudwell and his brother Brian established the business in the 1980s, initially trading in mobile phones and related telecommunications products. Phones 4u grew into a major United Kingdom retailer with shops across the country and a prominent presence in the mobile-phone market.
Caudwell appeared as an investor on Dragon's Den during the programme's early years. His business background differed from that of investors associated with fashion, manufacturing or property, because his wealth was closely linked to the rapid expansion of consumer mobile communications.
Phones 4u later ceased trading in 2014 after the major networks ended their commercial relationships with the retailer. That later collapse does not change Caudwell's role in founding the company or his connection with the television programme.