Serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist and multi-millionaire, James Caan, is to join the next series of Dragons’ Den to be screened on BBC Two this autumn.

Caan, who lives in both London and Cannes, is founder and CEO of private equity firm Hamilton Bradshaw, through which he has invested millions in both start-ups and mature businesses in sectors ranging from retail and leisure to financial services and technology.

Commenting on his signing to the Den, Caan said: “I’m thrilled to be invited to be in one of the highly coveted ‘Dragon’ positions. In business I make a point of investing in people, as I’m a great believer that it is people who create a success in business through their passion and conviction.”

Caan has been creating, building and selling businesses for over 20 years.

In 1985, he set up the Alexander Mann Group, one of the UK’s leading HR outsourcing companies, and achieved a turnover of £130million before selling it to a private equity firm in 2002.

Caan also founded an executive headhunting firm which he successfully expanded globally through its Humana International brand and grew to over 147 offices across 30 countries before it was bought by a New York-listed company.

Helen Bullough, Executive Editor for Dragons’ Den said: “I’m delighted that James Caan is joining the other Dragons for this new series. He’s got a great track record as an entrepreneur himself and a unique approach to spotting investment opportunities – I’m sure he’ll make quite an impact in the Den.”