Dragon's Den is the BBC programme that represents the British version of the international format known in the United States as Shark Tank.
Both programmes feature entrepreneurs presenting businesses to a panel of wealthy investors. The entrepreneurs explain their products, finances and requested investment, while the investors question the valuation and may make offers in exchange for equity.
The British title uses “dragons,” whereas the American title uses “sharks.” That difference reflects local branding rather than a completely different concept. The programmes have separate broadcasters, panels and production histories, even though they share the format's central structure.
Dragon's Den should not be confused with The Apprentice, in which candidates compete in tasks under the supervision of a business personality. The pitch-and-equity format is the feature that identifies Dragon's Den and its international counterparts.