Britain's Dragons' Den is based on the Japanese television format Money Tigers.
Money Tigers established the central structure later used by Dragons' Den: entrepreneurs appear before a panel of wealthy investors and seek money for a share of their business. The tension comes from the entrepreneurs having to explain their idea, defend its value and negotiate under questioning.
The Japanese source format is often confused with the American programme Shark Tank, but Shark Tank is another adaptation of the same broader format rather than the direct origin of the British title. International versions also use local names for their investor panels.
The British version retained the pitch-room setting while developing its own cast, catchphrases and memorable investments. Its success helped make televised business negotiation familiar to viewers far beyond Japan and the United Kingdom.