Deborah Meaden is a highly successful entrepreneur and investor, best known for her role on Dragon’s Den. She splits her time between London and her Somerset home, where she lives with her husband Paul and a menagerie of animals.
From an early age, Deborah was driven to start her own business. After studying at business college, she launched a glass and ceramics import company at 19, supplying high-end retailers like Harvey Nichols. She later explored ventures in fashion and leisure before joining her family’s amusement arcade and holiday park business, Weststar Holidays. Rising to Managing Director, she transformed the company, providing UK family holidays to over 150,000 people annually.
In 1999, Deborah led a management buyout of Weststar, expanding it significantly before selling in 2005 for £33m, followed by a later sale to Parkdean Holidays for £83m. She joined Dragon’s Den in its third series and has since invested in diverse businesses, including Dock & Bay quick-dry towels and fashion brand Hope & Ivy.
A passionate advocate for sustainability, Deborah supports numerous environmental causes, including WWF, Tusk Trust, and Lendwithcare. Balancing business, philanthropy, and family life, she remains committed to making a meaningful impact.