Deborah Meaden first joined the British TV programme Dragons' Den as a dragon in 2006.
Meaden became one of the programme's most recognisable investors after joining the panel during the show's early run. Her business career included work in leisure and hospitality, giving her experience in evaluating consumer businesses and management teams.
The year is sometimes confused with 2005, the year the British series began. The original panel appeared at launch, whereas Meaden entered the programme in the following year. That distinction explains why she is strongly associated with the show's early era without being one of its launch dragons.
Meaden later became known for direct questioning, attention to margins and interest in businesses with clear routes to growth. She also became a prominent public advocate for entrepreneurship and small businesses.