Who created the Japanese television format adapted into Britain's Dragons' Den?

Nippon Television created the Japanese television format adapted into Britain’s Dragons' Den.

The Japanese programme Money Tigers supplied the format used by the British series. Nippon Television developed that concept around entrepreneurs presenting businesses to wealthy potential investors, who could negotiate for an ownership share.

The format’s international success came from its simple dramatic structure. A founder has a limited time to make a case, investors can challenge the numbers, and the pitch may end with a deal, competing offers or no investment. Local versions change the investors and business culture while retaining that framework.

Nippon Television is distinct from Japan’s other major broadcasters, including NHK, Fuji Television and TV Tokyo. Those networks are plausible guesses because they are prominent Japanese broadcasters, but they are not credited with creating the Money Tigers format.