Money Tigers is the original Japanese show that inspired Dragon's Den's investor-panel structure. Created by Nippon Television, it supplied the format in which entrepreneurs pitch ventures to wealthy potential backers.
The British series adapted that structure rather than simply importing Japanese episodes. It created a local panel, presenter, language and business context while preserving the key elements: a prepared pitch, questions about the company, negotiations over money and equity, and the possibility of multiple investors combining their offers.
Money Tigers is also known by the Japanese title Money no Tora, often translated as “Money Tiger.” The title should not be confused with Shark Tank, which is the American adaptation of the same broader format family and uses a different name and panel. Dragon's Den is the British branding, while Money Tigers identifies the Japanese source programme that preceded it.