The first broadcast of the British television show Dragon's Den took place in 2005.
The programme launched on BBC Two as the UK adaptation of a Japanese investment-pitch format. Its central idea was simple: entrepreneurs explain their businesses to wealthy investors and seek money in return for an ownership share.
The first British panel included Peter Jones, Duncan Bannatyne, Rachel Elnaugh, Simon Woodroffe and Doug Richard. Later series introduced investors such as Theo Paphitis and Deborah Meaden, creating the rotating panel familiar to viewers today.
The 2005 launch year should not be confused with the start dates of international versions. Different countries adapted the format at different times, often using different titles such as Shark Tank.