Which company created the format adapted as the British television show Dragon's Den?

Nippon Television created the format adapted as the British television show Dragon's Den.

The Japanese broadcaster Nippon Television developed the original business-pitch concept that became the foundation for Dragon's Den and related international versions. In the format, entrepreneurs present companies to wealthy investors and negotiate for funding in exchange for equity.

The British programme is therefore an adaptation rather than a format invented by the BBC. BBC Two broadcast the UK version from 2005, but the underlying format had already been created in Japan. This distinction matters because television formats often involve separate creators, rights holders, local producers and broadcasters.

Nippon Television is also commonly written as Nippon TV. It should not be confused with the production companies or broadcasters responsible for particular national adaptations. The answer refers to the Japanese originating company credited with developing the format.