Who presented the first series of the UK television programme Dragon's Den?

Adrian Chiles presented the first series of the UK television programme Dragon's Den.

Chiles was the programme's original presenter when the British version launched. His role was to introduce the entrepreneurs, explain the pitch setting and guide viewers through the negotiations with the Dragons. The presenter is separate from the investors: Chiles did not sit on the panel or decide whether to make an offer.

He was already known in British broadcasting before Dragon's Den, particularly through sports and television presenting. After his period on the programme, other presenters took over, including Evan Davis, who became strongly associated with later editions. This change can cause viewers to remember Davis rather than Chiles when asked about the first series.

Dragon's Den is built around the entrepreneurs and Dragons, but the presenter helps establish the rules for the audience. Those rules include the expectation that an entrepreneur explains the business, states the investment sought and offers an equity share. The presenter also helps connect separate pitches into a coherent television episode.