TV Dragon - James Caan
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
Relaxes in Cannes
James relaxes on the Cote d'Azur and talks about his personal life.
Life as a Dragon
James takes his seat and explains what makes him a Dragon.
Video Diary
James takes us behind the scenes on Dragons' Den.
James's Life
Even someone as busy as James needs some down time. We catch up with him on the Cote d'Azur
James's Story
James takes his seat and explains what makes him a Dragon.
James's Diary
James takes us behind the scenes on Dragons' Den.
James began in business working out of a room the size of a shoebox on Pall Mall and has been creating, building, and selling businesses ever since.
James says his father, who worked day and night to establish his leather-trading business when he moved to London from Pakistan in the 60s, is his inspiration to work hard, be successful and give something back.
Since first appearing in 2007 James has invested £906,666.66 in 14 businesses.
He left school at 16 and rather than joining the family business decided to go it alone, taking office and retail jobs until he found his forte in recruitment. In 1985, he set up the Alexander Mann Group, one of the UK's leading HR outsourcing companies, and achieved a turnover of £130m before selling it to a private equity firm in 2002.
James also co-founded an executive headhunting firm with partner Doug Bougie, which they successfully expanded globally through its Humana International brand, growing to over 147 offices across 30 countries before it was bought by a New York-listed company.
James in the Den
A graduate of Harvard Business School's prestigious Advanced Management Programme, in 2003 Caan was named PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entrepreneur of the Year and was recently a Resident Entrepreneur Mentor for MBA students at London Business School.
In 2006, the James Caan Foundation was set up to help children in both the western and developing world. James supports the NSPCC's full stop campaign as well as being involved in a number of educational charities, helping deprived children in the UK and India to get a good education.
James is also proud to have built schools in his native Lahore, Pakistan where local children can attend lessons for free. He lives in London with his wife and enjoys regularly meeting up with his two grown-up daughters.
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
Name: James Caan
Age: 48
Family: Married with two daughters
Describe yourself: Calm, focused, passionate
Estimated wealth: Undisclosed
Vehicles owned: Rolls Royce Phantom, Maybach, Aston Martin Volante, Range Rover.
Property owned: Various and always in flux, but my home is in North London and I have an apartment in Cannes
Most outrageous purchase: My yacht
One thing I always spend the extra on: Holidays - you always need to recharge
Best job I've had: Working for myself
Worst job I’ve had: When I took a sabbatical I almost died of boredom!
Favourite film: The Godfather
Favourite holiday destination: Cannes
Favourite sport, team and player: I'm not particularly sporty, but I admire Roger Federer's ultimate professionalism and his focus, and I did enjoy Shahid Afridi's amazing exploits at the 20/20 Cricket World Cup.
Favourite pitch: There's one on the new series I particularly like, but you'll have to wait and see.
Best investment: In the Den, probably Choc Box, outside the Den, a small fashion business I backed. I married the person I invested in!
The one that got away: Always something we Dragons like to discuss - possibly the non-tangle hairbrush?
Things that interest me: Passion, Yachting, Art, Business, Education
I'd never invest in: Ryman's
Best advice you've been given: Attitude and Aptitude determine Altitude
People you admire: Bob Geldof for his passion, Bill Gates for his commitment to humanity, Lance Armstrong for his courage.
Your motto would be: Observe the masses and do the opposite
In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions
For impressing in an interview / pitch
Dress appropriately - simple but true
Be concise and focused
Make sure the pitch is of mutual benefit and that you can clearly describe that
Know your numbers
For running your own business
In one phrase - the devil is in the detail
For surviving the recession
With change comes opportunity - seize it when you see it
For getting your product to market
Get it OUT THERE - be seen to be sold
Don't take no for an answer
Communicate face to face and over the phone - don't hide behind a computer
For winning investment
Know your numbers
Know your market
Know your product
Know your competition
For making millions
Unfortunately there is no secret recipe - great businesses are 5% concept, 95% execution- so believe me, there is no substitute for hard work, I'm sorry to say.