Deborah Meaden joined the investor panel on the UK television series Dragon's Den in 2006.
Meaden became one of the programme's most recognisable investors after joining during its early run. She replaced Rachel Elnaugh, who had been part of the original panel, and brought experience from a range of businesses, including leisure, retail and hospitality ventures.
Her arrival did not mark the launch of the programme: Dragon's Den had already premiered in 2005. That one-year distinction is a common source of confusion when people list the early Dragons. Meaden's long tenure, however, made her seem to many viewers like part of the original permanent lineup.
On the show, Meaden is known for evaluating the commercial potential of a product, the founder's competence and the proposed valuation. Her television profile has also helped make her one of the best-known British business investors outside the programme.