The UK version of Dragon's Den first premiered in 2005.
The BBC launched the British adaptation after the format had already become popular in Japan and other countries. The programme gives entrepreneurs a limited time to present a business idea to wealthy investors, known as dragons, and request funding in exchange for equity.
The first British series established the basic structure still associated with the show: a walk into the den, a prepared pitch, questioning about sales and finances, and private negotiations between the entrepreneur and interested investors. The programme became one of the BBC's best-known factual entertainment formats.
The year is sometimes confused with the launch dates of international versions or later spin-offs. Dragon's Den is also widely associated with BBC Two, although its scheduling and related programming have changed over time.