The first episode of the British TV series Dragon's Den was broadcast in 2005.
The BBC launched the programme on 4 January 2005, adapting the format for a British audience after the success of the Japanese original Money Tigers and international versions. Entrepreneurs enter the studio seeking investment, while a panel of businesspeople questions their plans, finances and proposed equity deal.
The first British series featured Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Doug Richard and Simon Woodroffe as the Dragons. The programme quickly became associated with its distinctive opening pitch, the request for investment and the intense questioning that follows.
A common mix-up is confusing the British launch year with the later American adaptation Shark Tank, which premiered in 2009. Dragon's Den has continued through many changes of investor and presenter, but 2005 remains the start of the UK edition.