In Dragon's Den, the programme's investor panel is collectively known as the Dragons.
The name reflects the show's title and the intimidating role of the panel. Entrepreneurs enter the den, make a pitch, answer questions and negotiate with one or more investors. A Dragon may offer money for shares, make a joint offer, or decline to invest.
The term is specific to the British format and its related international adaptations. In the United States version, Shark Tank, the investors are called Sharks instead. That neighbouring programme is based on the same broader format, but “Sharks” is not the canonical British term.
The panel has included investors from retail, technology, property, fashion, food and finance. Although individual line-ups vary by series, the collective label remains “the Dragons,” a central piece of the programme's vocabulary.