What was the name of the Japanese format adapted as Shark Tank and Dragons' Den?

Money Tigers was the Japanese format adapted into both Shark Tank and Dragons' Den.

The original Japanese programme, Money no Tora, placed entrepreneurs before wealthy investors who assessed business proposals and negotiated over funding and ownership. The concept proved highly exportable because its central conflict is simple: founders want capital, while investors demand evidence, control or a worthwhile share.

The British version adopted the Dragons' Den title and premiered in 2005. The American version became Shark Tank, using sharks rather than dragons as its investor metaphor. Other countries created their own titles and panel names while retaining the pitch-and-equity structure.

Money Tigers is therefore the format title, not the name of a British or American season. The similar animal imagery in later adaptations reflects branding choices rather than separate original concepts.