The first episode of the BBC television programme Dragon's Den was broadcast on 4 January 2005.
The British version adapted the format of the Japanese business reality show Money Tigers. Entrepreneurs present business proposals to wealthy investors, known as Dragons, and seek funding in exchange for a share of their company.
Dragon's Den began on BBC Two, where it became known for its direct negotiations and memorable investment pitches. The format later expanded internationally, including versions in Canada, Australia and the United States.
The programme is sometimes confused with Shark Tank, the American adaptation of the same broad format. Dragon's Den is the established British title, while “sharks” is the term used for investors in the US version.