The British television series Dragon's Den usually features five investors sitting on the panel during a pitch.
These investors are known as the “Dragons”. Entrepreneurs enter the den, present their business, and request a specific amount of money in exchange for a percentage of equity. Each Dragon can decide whether to ask questions, make an offer, or withdraw.
The exact line-up has changed repeatedly since the programme began. Some episodes have used guest Dragons or featured unusual panel arrangements, so five describes the standard format rather than an absolute rule for every broadcast. The British version is part of an international franchise adapted from the Japanese business reality format Money Tigers.
The programme is often confused with the US series Shark Tank, which uses “sharks” rather than “Dragons”, although both shows involve entrepreneurs pitching to wealthy investors.