Dragons' Den is the British television programme in which entrepreneurs pitch businesses to investors known as dragons.
The format places business owners in front of a panel of wealthy investors. Each entrepreneur normally explains the company, requests a specified amount of money and offers a percentage of the business in return. The dragons then question the presenter and decide whether to make an offer, reject the proposal or negotiate different terms.
The programme began in Britain in 2005 and was adapted from the Japanese format Money Tigers. It is a business-pitch show rather than a competition in which contestants simply perform tasks. The investment element is central: the entrepreneurs are seeking capital, expertise and commercial connections.
The title is also used by related national versions, so the phrase “British television programme” identifies the United Kingdom edition. The American adaptation is called Shark Tank, while the Canadian production retains the Dragons' Den title. Those shows share the format but have different panels and production histories.