Deborah Meaden joined the British series Dragons' Den in 2006 after building a property investment career.
Deborah Meaden is a British businesswoman and investor who became one of the programme's longest-serving Dragons. Before her television role, she developed experience in retail, leisure and property-related businesses.
Meaden joined the BBC series in 2006, following the programme's initial launch in 2005. Her direct questioning and focus on commercial fundamentals became recognisable features of her appearances. She has also been associated with sustainability and ethical business issues in public work.
The year is useful for distinguishing Meaden from later Dragons. Kelly Hoppen joined in 2013, while several other investors arrived in subsequent years. The question refers specifically to the UK television series and to Meaden's joining date, not to the date she began investing generally.