Shark Tank is the American adaptation of the business-pitch format used by the British series Dragons' Den.
The United States programme premiered on ABC in 2009. Its entrepreneurs present companies and products to a panel of investors known as sharks, who may offer money in exchange for equity or other terms.
The basic structure is shared with Dragons' Den: a founder states the amount sought and the ownership offered, after which investors question the business and negotiate. The terminology changes from dragons to sharks, but the underlying international format remains recognisable.
The American show should not be confused with the British programme itself or with the Japanese Money Tigers, which is the earlier source format. Shark Tank is specifically the United States adaptation and has developed its own panel, presentation style and business culture.