Arlene Dickinson

Arlene Dickinson is a South African-born Canadian businesswoman, investor, author, and television personality.

Arlene Dickinson is a South African-born Canadian businesswoman, investor, author, and television personality. She is best known as a long-running investor on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and as the founder of District Ventures Capital. She has also led Venture Communications and written books on business and entrepreneurship.

Early life

Arlene Dickinson was born on October 8, 1956, in Germiston, South Africa, and later lived in Canada. Sources describe her as South African-born and Canadian.

Business career

Dickinson joined Venture Communications in 1988 and later became its owner and CEO. She is also the founder and general partner of District Ventures Capital, which invests in food, beverage, health, and wellness companies.

Television and public profile

She became a familiar public figure through CBC’s Dragons’ Den and also appeared on other television programs. Her role on Dragons’ Den made her one of Canada’s best-known business personalities.

Writing and speaking

Dickinson has written books on entrepreneurship and communication, including Persuasion and All In. She is also a frequent keynote speaker on business leadership, marketing, and entrepreneurship.