The first episode of the British version of Dragons' Den aired in 2005.
The programme is a British adaptation of the Japanese format Money Tigers, known in Japan as Money no Tora. Entrepreneurs present business proposals to a panel of wealthy investors and seek money in exchange for an ownership stake in their company.
The BBC launched the UK series in 2005, introducing the format to British television audiences. The original panel included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Simon Woodroffe and Deborah Meaden, with Alan Sugar also among the early Dragons.
The show is sometimes dated incorrectly because different countries launched their versions at different times. The Canadian version, known as Dragons' Den, began later, while the American adaptation became Shark Tank. For the UK programme, 2005 is the key launch year.