Rachel Elnaugh became the first female investor on the British television show Dragons' Den.
Elnaugh joined the original investor panel when the programme launched in 2005. She was known for founding Red Letter Days, a company selling experience gifts, and her position made her an important early figure in the British version of the format.
Deborah Meaden is often associated with the show's female-investor history because she became one of its longest-serving and most recognisable Dragons. She did not, however, hold the distinction of being the first woman on the panel; that credit belongs to Elnaugh.
Elnaugh left the show after its first series. Red Letter Days later encountered financial difficulties and was sold, with Peter Jones acquiring the business and its assets.