Money Tigers was the Japanese business-pitch format that inspired Dragons' Den.
The concept originated with Nippon Television’s Japanese programme Money Tigers, whose entrepreneurs presented proposals to a panel of wealthy potential investors. The format was then adapted for different countries, with the UK production adopting the title Dragons' Den.
The central structure remained recognizable: business owners seek funding, explain their products or companies, and negotiate with investors who can offer money and expertise in exchange for equity. Local productions change the panel, presenter, language and business setting.
Money Tigers is often confused with Shark Tank because the American programme is another adaptation of the same broad format. Shark Tank is not the original Japanese title, and Dragons' Den is not the source of the US name. The Japanese programme is the key origin point behind the international franchise.