Deborah Meaden became an investor on BBC's Dragon's Den in 2006.
Meaden joined the British programme after its launch and quickly became one of its most recognisable investors. Her business career included work in leisure and holiday companies, giving her experience of consumer services, hospitality and operational management.
On Dragon's Den, Meaden considers pitches alongside the other Dragons and may offer money in exchange for an ownership stake. She is known for focusing closely on the financial details of a proposal, the entrepreneur's understanding of the market and whether the requested valuation is realistic.
Her arrival should not be confused with the later appointments of other female Dragons, including Kelly Hoppen and Sarah Willingham. It is also distinct from the year the programme itself began in Britain. Meaden remained associated with the show through multiple changes to the investor panel.