In the British television show Dragons' Den, entrepreneurs initially have three minutes to pitch their business.
This opening presentation is designed to give the investors a concise overview of the product or service, the business model, the funding sought and the ownership stake offered. After the timed pitch, the Dragons question the entrepreneur in detail before deciding whether to make an offer.
The three-minute limit is part of the programme's recognizable format rather than a general rule for business pitches outside the show. The pitch can feel longer because televised episodes include follow-up questions, negotiations and reactions from the investor panel. The format originated with the Japanese programme Money Tigers and was adapted for British television by the BBC.
A common mix-up is to treat the entire negotiation as a three-minute presentation. In reality, the limit applies to the entrepreneur's initial pitch; the questioning and any deal discussion happen afterward. The structure creates a clear, repeatable challenge for every business appearing on the programme.