Who was the first female Dragon on the British television programme Dragons' Den?

Rachel Elnaugh was the first female Dragon on the British television programme Dragons' Den.

Elnaugh joined the original panel when the programme launched in 2005. She was an entrepreneur best known for founding Red Letter Days, a company selling experience gifts such as driving days, spa visits and flights.

Her tenure on the programme was relatively brief compared with several later Dragons. She left after the second series, before Deborah Meaden became one of the show's most recognisable female investors. This timing is a common source of confusion because Meaden joined early in the show's history and remained for many years.

Elnaugh's appearance helped establish that the panel was not limited to male business figures. Later female Dragons included Meaden, Hilary Devey, Kelly Hoppen, Jenny Campbell, Sara Davies and Emma Grede.