Shark Tank is the American version of the Dragons' Den investment-show format.
The American programme premiered on ABC in 2009 and features entrepreneurs pitching businesses to a panel of wealthy investors. Like the British series, it centres on negotiations over investment, valuation and ownership rather than on a conventional elimination contest.
The two programmes share an international format lineage that goes back to the Japanese show Money Tigers. Their terminology differs: British investors are called Dragons, while American investors are called Sharks. The panel members, broadcast network and individual business deals are also different.
Shark Tank is sometimes described as a direct remake of one particular British episode, but that is misleading. It is an American adaptation of the broader format licensed internationally. The series became especially associated with investors such as Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary and Barbara Corcoran, although its panel has changed over time.