The British version of Dragons' Den was adapted from the Japanese television programme Money Tigers.
Money Tigers established the central format in which entrepreneurs present business proposals to a group of wealthy potential investors. The investors question the presenter, assess the commercial opportunity, and decide whether to offer money in return for a share of the business.
The British adaptation retained that high-pressure structure but changed the terminology and presentation for UK viewers. Its investors became “Dragons,” a label that suggests power, scrutiny, and financial strength. Entrepreneurs are often described as entering the “Den” when they face the panel.
The format later travelled widely. Different countries used their own titles, investor panels, languages, and production styles, while keeping the basic pitch-and-negotiate premise. The American adaptation is called Shark Tank, but that is not the Japanese source programme. Money Tigers is therefore the specific predecessor associated with the format's origin.