The original Japanese title of the television format adapted as the British series Dragon's Den was Money Tigers.
Money Tigers was a Japanese business reality programme whose central idea was later adapted internationally. Entrepreneurs presented their business proposals to wealthy potential investors, seeking financial backing in return for a share of the company. That investor-panel structure became the foundation of Dragon's Den and related versions around the world.
The British title uses “Dragons” rather than “Tigers,” but the underlying format is the same: founders must explain their product, market, finances and requested valuation under intense questioning. A pitch can end with an offer, rejection or no deal at all.
A common mix-up is to treat Dragon's Den as the original programme because the British version became especially prominent. In fact, the franchise began with the Japanese format and then spread through licensed adaptations, including versions in Canada, Australia and the United States.