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.

What it is

Arlene Dickinson is a prominent figure in Canadian business and television. Born in Germiston, South Africa, she moved to Canada and built a career as an entrepreneur and investor. She is the founder and general partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund focused on food, beverage, health, and wellness companies. She also served as CEO of Venture Communications and later Venturepark.

Why it matters

Dickinson became widely known through CBC’s Dragons’ Den, where she has been one of the longest-running female Dragons. Her role made her one of Canada’s best-known business personalities. She has also authored business books like Persuasion and All In, and is a frequent keynote speaker on leadership and entrepreneurship. Her work in venture capital supports Canadian startups in key sectors.

Key details

Dickinson was born on October 8, 1956, in Germiston, South Africa, and holds both South African and Canadian nationality. She joined Venture Communications in 1988 and later became its owner and CEO. District Ventures Capital invests in food, beverage, health, and wellness companies. She has also been involved in public speaking, philanthropy, and business mentorship.