The British TV show Dragons' Den is based on the Japanese format Money Tigers.
Money Tigers was a Japanese television programme in which entrepreneurs sought investment from successful businesspeople. The concept was adapted for different countries, with the investors known as “dragons” in the British version.
The British programme retains the central structure: entrepreneurs pitch their businesses, answer questions about sales and valuation, and negotiate with investors. A deal is normally made in return for a percentage ownership stake, although the terms can include loans, royalties or other conditions.
Money Tigers is sometimes confused with Shark Tank, the American adaptation of the same broader international format. Shark Tank uses “sharks” rather than “dragons,” while the British title and terminology come from the UK adaptation.