Deborah Sonia Meaden

Deborah Meaden is a British businesswoman and TV personality, best known as a long-standing investor on Dragons’ Den. She built her wealth through the Weststar Holidays business and numerous investments, becoming one of the UK’s most prominent entrepreneurs.

Overview

Deborah Sonia Meaden's Profile

Deborah Meaden was born on 11 February 1959 in Taunton, Somerset, England. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was raised by her mother and stepfather, Brian Meaden.

She left school at 16 and later studied business at Brighton Technical College. She began her entrepreneurial journey early, launching small ventures before joining her family’s holiday business, Weststar Holidays.

Meaden worked her way up to Managing Director, eventually leading a management buyout and growing the company significantly. She later sold the business in deals worth tens of millions, forming the foundation of her wealth.

In 2006, she joined Dragons’ Den on BBC Two as an investor (“Dragon”), becoming one of the longest-serving members. She has invested in dozens of businesses through the show.

She lives in Somerset with her husband, maintaining a private lifestyle while continuing to invest in businesses and promote entrepreneurship.

Quick Facts

1
Shows Hosted

0
Shows Currently Hosting

20
Years Active

0
Awards & Nominations

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

No current networks found.

No past networks found.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Paul Farmer from 1993 to (Current husband)

    Education

    Educational background and qualifications

    • Joined Trowbridge High School; left early at 16 years of age
    • Studied business at Brighton Technical College

    Net Worth & Income

    Income sources, net worth, and properties.

    • Income accumulated from Weststar Holiday park business
    • Revenue from Dragon's Den £6 million-worth of investments
    • Earnings from television appearances including Dragon's Den and The Big Green Money Show
    • Revenue from public speaking and corporate events
    • Revenue from her published books including, Money Myths and Why Money Matters

    Awards

    Awards & recognition