The British television show Dragon's Den introduced its first female dragon, Rachel Elnaugh, in 2005.
Elnaugh was part of the original British panel when the programme launched. She was known for founding Red Letter Days, an experience-gift company, and brought a retail and entrepreneurial perspective to the pitch room.
The year can be confused with 2006, when Deborah Meaden joined the programme and became the best-known long-term female member of the panel. The distinction matters: Elnaugh appeared first, while Meaden later replaced her and remained associated with the series for many years.
Dragon's Den's panel changed repeatedly as the programme developed. Its early cast included several original dragons, and the arrival of female investors helped broaden the range of business backgrounds represented in the studio.