Deborah Meaden joined the Dragons' Den panel in 2006 and is known for investments in retail and leisure businesses.
Meaden became one of the programme's most recognisable investors after joining during its early years. Her business career included leadership in family-run enterprises and work connected with leisure and retail, experience that shaped the practical questions she asked entrepreneurs.
On the programme, a dragon's offer normally involves investing a specified amount for an agreed percentage of a company. The on-screen deal is subject to further checks and negotiation, so a televised agreement does not always become a completed investment.
Meaden is sometimes confused with other female dragons, particularly Kelly Hoppen and Jenny Campbell. Hoppen joined the panel later, while Campbell appeared in a later period as well. Meaden's defining date for this question is 2006, when she became part of the British panel.