In the British television show Dragon's Den, the investors on the panel are called Dragons.
The title refers to the intimidating business figures who listen to entrepreneurs seeking investment. Contestants enter the den, give a presentation and answer questions about their company, finances, valuation and plans for growth.
The word “Dragons” is part of the British format's identity. It is not simply a nickname for businesspeople in general, because the programme uses the term consistently for its investor panel and in its branding.
International audiences may confuse the British name with Shark Tank, the American adaptation of the same broad pitch-show concept. In the United Kingdom, however, “Dragons” is the established term, while “Sharks” belongs to the American title and related versions.