In BBC's Dragon's Den, which entrepreneur became the first female Dragon on the panel?

Rachel Elnaugh became the first female Dragon on BBC's Dragon's Den. She joined the original panel when the British series launched in 2005, alongside Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Simon Woodroffe and Theo Paphitis.

Elnaugh was already known as an entrepreneur before appearing on television. She founded Red Letter Days, a company selling experience gifts such as driving days and adventure activities. Her business background made her a natural fit for a programme focused on investment pitches and entrepreneurial decision-making.

Elnaugh left the panel after the first series. Her departure did not end the show's use of female investors: Deborah Meaden later became one of its best-known long-term Dragons, while Sara Davies joined the panel in 2019. Rachel Elnaugh is therefore best remembered for opening the door for female Dragons, rather than for being the panel's longest-serving woman.