Evan Davis presented Dragons' Den when the British series first launched in 2005.
Davis is a British journalist, broadcaster and economist. Before and alongside his work on Dragons' Den, he became known for presenting news and current-affairs programmes, including work for the BBC. His role on the business series was to introduce the pitches, guide the discussion and provide continuity between the entrepreneurs and the dragons.
The presenter is not one of the investors. The dragons make the commercial decisions, while the host helps viewers follow the structure of each pitch. That distinction matters because the programme’s dramatic moments usually come from negotiations between entrepreneurs and investors, not from the presenter making an offer.
Dragons' Den has had changes among its investor panel, but Davis’s early association with the programme helped establish its tone. His background in economics also suited a format involving company valuations, ownership percentages, sales figures and investment proposals.