In the UK television series Dragon's Den, the panel of investors is collectively called the Dragons.
The title uses the word as a metaphor for powerful, intimidating businesspeople who scrutinise every pitch. Entrepreneurs must persuade one or more Dragons that their company has commercial potential and that the requested investment is justified by the proposed valuation.
The Dragons are not a permanent cast of identical characters. The panel has changed over the years, with investors leaving, joining and sometimes appearing as guest Dragons. Each investor brings a different business background, which can affect the questions asked and the sectors they understand best.
The term is also why the programme's title differs from the American Shark Tank. In that adaptation, investors are called Sharks; in the British series, they are Dragons.