The investors who hear entrepreneurs' pitches in the British TV show Dragon's Den are called Dragons.
The title supplies the programme's distinctive terminology: business founders enter the Den and present their proposals to a panel of wealthy investors known collectively as the Dragons. They can ask questions, negotiate valuation and offer money in exchange for equity in the company.
The British name differs from the title used by some international adaptations. In the United States, the related format is called Shark Tank, so American viewers may naturally expect the investors to be called sharks. Other countries use their own local titles and panel names.
The word Dragons does not mean that the investors are all involved in the same company or investment fund. Each Dragon evaluates pitches independently, although two or more may sometimes make a joint offer. The term is a branding choice linked to the British title.