Which former Dragon's Den investor founded the retail group Poundland?

Steve Smith founded the retail group Poundland, although he was not a Dragon's Den investor.

This question highlights a common mix-up involving the show's business personalities: Smith's connection is to the company that became Poundland, while the programme's investors are a separate group of entrepreneurs. Poundland began as a fixed-price retailer and became known for selling a broad range of goods at a single headline price.

The retailer was founded in 1990 in Burton upon Trent by Steve Smith and Dave Dodd. Its model later expanded significantly, and the company became one of the best-known discount chains in the United Kingdom.

Poundland is sometimes incorrectly linked to a Dragon because discount retail and investment stories are often discussed together in coverage of the programme. The founder's identity is nevertheless specific: Steve Smith, not one of the show's panel members.