An entrepreneur is traditionally given three minutes to make an initial pitch on Dragon's Den.
The timed pitch is the opening presentation in which a founder explains the product or service, states the amount sought and names the percentage of equity offered. Once the presentation ends, the Dragons question the entrepreneur about sales, costs, competition, intellectual property and valuation.
The three-minute limit creates a consistent starting point for contestants and gives viewers a clear comparison between businesses. It does not mean the entire appearance lasts only three minutes: the questioning and negotiation that follow can be much longer.
Some episodes and special formats may present the pitch differently in editing, so the exact broadcast rhythm can vary. The traditional headline format, however, is a three-minute initial pitch.