On Dragon's Den, each member of the investor panel is called a Dragon. The term is central to the British programme's title and distinguishes its investors from the “sharks” used by the American adaptation, Shark Tank.
The Dragons are wealthy entrepreneurs or businesspeople who listen to pitches, question contestants and decide whether to offer money in exchange for a stake in the business. Their individual expertise varies, so a pitch may attract interest because of retail knowledge, manufacturing experience, technology expertise or access to useful contacts.
The word is a title used by the programme rather than a legal category or professional qualification. International versions often change the animal or nickname used for investors, which is why viewers familiar with Shark Tank may incorrectly call the UK panel sharks.