Theo Paphitis acquired Ryman in 1995 before becoming a Dragon's Den investor.
Ryman is a British stationery retailer whose history dates back to a shop opened by Henry Ryman in London in 1893. Theo Paphitis acquired the business in 1995 and expanded its retail presence, making it a central part of his business career before and alongside his television work.
Paphitis became known on Dragon's Den for his retail expertise and for asking entrepreneurs how their products would be sold, priced and distributed. That background explains why questions about shops, margins and customer demand were especially associated with his investment style.
Ryman is sometimes mixed up with WHSmith or Paperchase because all have sold stationery in Britain. They are separate retail businesses. Paphitis also became associated with other brands and investments, but Ryman is the retailer he acquired in 1995.