A budding entrepreneur steps into a room and has just a few minutes to pitch their business idea to a panel of cynical millionaires. The entrepreneur seeks investment - but if the pitch isn't good enough, they're mincemeat. That's the premise of Dragons' Den, a show that makes The Apprentice seem cuddly-wuddly by comparison.

The format of Dragons' Den - budding entrepreneur pitches to scary business leaders in hope of attracting investment - was actually invented in Japan, where the show was first aired in 2001. The combination of bright ideas, business advice and sheer cruelty made it a hit, and it's since been adapted in Australia, Canada and New Zealand - as well as here in the UK.

However, the format initially proved puzzling for the Dragons. Doug Richard recalled how he was baffled when the BBC approached him with the concept. The idea of actually investing his own money on proposals from a TV show just seemed strange at first.

Eventually, after a bit of trepidation, he and the other Dragons agreed to the project. To counterbalance the vicious Dragons, a neutral, "friendly" face was required as the host. Evan Davis, the economics editor of BBC News, was chosen for the role.

Comments (3)

dancer5057

December 16, 2008
8:57 p.m.

what happened to the sun shade item where is it sold i liked it i also like the folding table i would buy many of the items the show is great
Permalink | Report as offensive

Holly-Beth

November 20, 2008
9:58 p.m.

Woo! Love it!
Permalink | Report as offensive

Fizzwidgit

November 11, 2008
8:13 p.m.

Dragons Den is a much better show than it is given credit for. If that makes sense. Basically, it's very good.
Permalink | Report as offensive
You must be logged in to post comments