Which British television show is the direct title inspiration for the investors called Dragons in Dragon's Den?

The Japanese format Money Tigers is the direct format inspiration for the investors called Dragons in the British show Dragon's Den.

Money Tigers supplied the underlying investment-pitch concept: entrepreneurs present ideas to a panel of wealthy potential backers and seek money in exchange for business equity. The British adaptation changed the branding and called its investors Dragons, creating the title Dragon's Den.

The programme's language is therefore part of its adaptation identity rather than a reference to mythical creatures. The Dragons' role is commercial: they assess risk, ask for evidence and negotiate terms.

Shark Tank is a separate American adaptation of the broader international format and is not the Japanese source title. The Apprentice is a competition involving business tasks and hiring, while Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is a quiz show; neither supplied Dragon's Den's original investment format.