Which female entrepreneur became a Dragon on the UK show Dragons' Den in 2006?

Deborah Meaden became a Dragon on the UK show Dragons' Den in 2006.

Meaden is an English businesswoman and investor who joined the programme during its second series. She became known for concise questioning, attention to commercial detail and investments in a wide range of consumer businesses.

Her arrival followed the first series, whose panel included investors such as Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Simon Woodroffe and Doug Richard. Meaden’s long tenure helped establish her as one of the programme’s most recognisable investors.

A frequent confusion concerns Rachel Elnaugh, who was also an early female Dragon but appeared in the first series rather than joining in 2006. Meaden’s role on the programme is as an investor: she evaluates pitches, negotiates valuation and equity, and can withdraw an offer if the deal’s terms change.