Rachel Elnaugh was the first female investor to appear as a Dragon on the UK programme Dragons' Den.
Elnaugh joined the original panel when the British series launched in 2005. She was known as a businesswoman and entrepreneur, particularly through her work with the Red Letter Days experience-gift company.
Her position is distinct from later female Dragons such as Deborah Meaden, Hilary Devey and Sara Davies. Those investors became major figures in the programme, but Elnaugh appeared first in the UK series chronology.
The wording “first female Dragon” refers to the investor role on the British programme, not to the first woman to pitch an idea. Contestants and Dragons occupy different roles, and that distinction prevents a common mix-up when discussing the show's early cast.