Peter Jones first appeared as an investor on the British show Dragons' Den in 2005.
Jones was part of the original investor lineup when the BBC launched its British adaptation of the international entrepreneur-pitching format. He has remained associated with the programme across more series than any other original Dragon, making him one of its defining figures.
Before television, Jones had built businesses in technology, leisure and media. His entrepreneurial background helped establish the role he played on the show: examining a pitch's commercial potential, negotiating the percentage of equity requested and deciding whether the proposed valuation was realistic.
The year 2005 is distinct from the year in which later Dragons joined. Deborah Meaden entered during the second series, while other investors arrived and departed over subsequent seasons. Jones's continuing presence from the launch is why he is often described as the longest-serving Dragon.