Money Tigers provided the format inspiration for the UK version of Dragon's Den.
Money Tigers was a Japanese television programme in which entrepreneurs presented business proposals to wealthy investors. The format was adapted internationally, with the UK version becoming Dragon's Den and other countries developing their own versions under related titles.
The Japanese title is often confused with Shark Tank, the later American adaptation of the same broad international format. Shark Tank is not the original Japanese programme. The UK title also uses “Dragons” as its investor branding, while the American version uses “sharks.”
This format lineage explains why versions of the programme exist in many countries. Although the presenters, investors, rules and production details vary, the central structure remains entrepreneurs seeking money in exchange for a stake in their businesses.