Who was the first female Dragon in the original British Dragon's Den investor line-up?
Answer
Rachel Elnaugh
Answer
Rachel Elnaugh
Rachel Elnaugh was the first female Dragon in the original British Dragon's Den investor line-up.
Elnaugh joined the programme when it launched in 2005, making her part of the original group of investors. She was known as an entrepreneur and businesswoman, particularly for founding the gift company Red Letter Days.
Her position is sometimes confused with Deborah Meaden's role. Meaden became the first woman to join Dragon's Den after the first two series, whereas Elnaugh was already present in the original line-up. The distinction depends on whether the question concerns the launch cast or later additions.
Elnaugh left the programme after its first series. Her appearance nevertheless made her an important part of the show's early history and its first group of Dragons.
Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Oct. 2026