Dragons' Den investor Theo Paphitis acquired the lingerie retailer La Senza in 1996.
La Senza was a prominent specialist lingerie chain in the United Kingdom and other markets. Paphitis's acquisition formed part of his expansion in retail and helped establish him as a high-profile British business owner before his television appearances.
La Senza is distinct from Ryman and Robert Dyas, two other retail names connected with Paphitis. Ryman focuses on stationery, while Robert Dyas is a broader household and hardware retailer; the three brands should not be treated as interchangeable.
Paphitis later became a Dragons' Den investor, bringing extensive retail experience to the programme. His record in branded high-street businesses influenced the types of products and consumer propositions he examined in pitches.