Japan created the original format on which the BBC television series Dragon's Den is based.
The British programme adapted the Japanese business reality format Money Tigers, known in Japan as Manē no Tora. Entrepreneurs present business proposals to wealthy investors and seek funding in exchange for equity. The Japanese series established the central pitch-room structure later used by international versions.
Dragon's Den began in the United Kingdom in 2005 and became part of a worldwide franchise. Different countries use different names for their investor panels, including Sharks in the United States version Shark Tank. The common idea is unchanged: founders explain their product, financial position and requested investment, while investors question the proposal.
A frequent mix-up is assuming the BBC programme originated in the United States because of its similarity to Shark Tank. In fact, Shark Tank is also part of the wider format lineage, while Japan supplied the original television concept.