Money Tigers is the Japanese business-investment programme that originated the Dragons' Den format.
The format began in Japan as Money Tigers, known there as Money no Tora. Entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to a panel of wealthy investors, seeking money in exchange for a stake in their companies. The concept was later adapted for broadcasters in several countries.
The British version, Dragons' Den, became one of the best-known adaptations. Its investors are called Dragons, while equivalent programmes in some other territories use different names. In the United States, the related adaptation is Shark Tank, whose investors are called Sharks.
The format’s central structure is consistent across versions: an entrepreneur gives a presentation, answers questions about the business and negotiates over investment and ownership. Although the British title uses the word “Dragons,” the original Japanese title refers to “tigers,” which is why the two programmes are sometimes confused.