The UK version of Dragon’s Den first aired in 2005.
The BBC launched the British adaptation after the investor-pitch concept had been established by the Japanese programme Money Tigers. The opening UK series introduced viewers to entrepreneurs seeking investment and to a panel of wealthy business people who could negotiate for equity.
The programme became notable for making valuation, ownership percentages and business strategy understandable to a general audience. Entrepreneurs had to explain not only what their product did, but also how much money they wanted and what share of the company they were prepared to give away.
The year is sometimes confused with the launch dates of overseas versions. The American Shark Tank, for example, began later, while other countries produced their own adaptations at different times. The British programme’s first broadcast year remains 2005, when it began on BBC Two with Evan Davis as presenter.