Theo Paphitis first joined the investor panel of the British television series Dragons' Den in 2005.
Paphitis is a Greek-Cypriot British retail entrepreneur known for building and investing in consumer-facing businesses. His expertise made him a distinctive member of the panel, particularly when entrepreneurs discussed retail positioning, margins, branding and routes to market.
The year can be confusing because Dragons' Den premiered in Britain in 2005 and its panel changed as the series developed. Joining in the same calendar year as the launch does not necessarily mean a Dragon appeared in every episode of the first broadcast run.
Paphitis later became associated with other television and business projects, but his Dragons' Den role remains one of his most recognisable public appearances. His tenure forms part of the programme's early expansion beyond the original investor lineup.