Japan created the original television format later adapted as the British series Dragons' Den.
The concept began with the Japanese programme Money Tigers, known as Money no Tora in Japan. Its central idea was straightforward: entrepreneurs presented business proposals to wealthy potential investors, who decided whether the opportunity deserved their money and involvement.
That format travelled internationally and was adapted for different broadcasters and cultures. In the United Kingdom, the investors became known as Dragons, while other countries used different names, including Sharks in the United States. Despite the branding differences, the core elements remain the same: a pitch, financial scrutiny, negotiation and a possible equity deal.
A common mix-up is to treat Dragons' Den as a format invented in Britain because the British edition became especially well known. It is more accurate to describe the BBC programme as a British adaptation of a Japanese originating format. The international franchise now includes versions in numerous countries.