Which business format inspired the British television programme Dragon's Den?

The British television programme Dragon's Den was inspired by the Japanese business format Money Tigers.

Money Tigers was a Japanese reality television programme in which entrepreneurs sought funding from wealthy investors. The format was later adapted internationally, with each country selecting its own title, presenter, investors and production style while retaining the central pitch-and-negotiation structure.

The UK version uses “dragons” for its investors, creating a distinctive title and visual identity. In the United States, the comparable adaptation is called Shark Tank, which is why viewers sometimes incorrectly identify Shark Tank as the direct original.

The format's appeal comes from its simple, repeatable conflict: founders want the highest possible valuation, while investors want enough equity and protection to justify their risk. The negotiations make financial concepts accessible to a broad audience.