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Dragons' Den (UK)

Dragons' Den
DragonsDenUK.png
Genre Reality show
Presented by Evan Davis
Starring Peter Jones
Rachel Elnaugh
Doug Richard
Simon Woodroffe
Theo Paphitis
Deborah Meaden
Duncan Bannatyne
Richard Farleigh
James Caan
Hilary Devey
Kelly Hoppen
Piers Linney
Sarah Willingham
Touker Suleyman
Nick Jenkins
Composer(s) John Watt
Country of origin United Kingdom
Original language(s) English
No. of series 14
No. of episodes 120
Production
Producer(s) Sam Lewens, Zoe Thorman
BBC Manchester
Sony Pictures
Location(s) The Space Project (2015–)
MediaCityUK (2012–2014)
Pinewood Studios (2011)
The Depository (2005–2010)
Editor(s) Dominic Bird
Running time 60 minutes
Release
Original network BBC Two
BBC HD (simulcast with BBC Two, 2009–)
Picture format 576i
1080p (2009–)
Original release 4 January 2005 – present
External links
Website

Dragons' Den is a British television series, hosted by Evan Davis. The format of the show is owned by Sony Pictures and is based on the original Japanese series, which has been sold around the world. The programme has been produced by BBC Manchester since its inception and was first broadcast on BBC Two on 4 January 2005.

The show allows several entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their varying business ideas to a panel of five wealthy investors, the "Dragons" of the show's title, and pitch for financial investment while offering a stake of the company in return.

Contestants have what they perceive to be a viable and potentially profitable business idea but lack funding, or are already operating their business but need additional funds for promotion or expansion. As part of their opening pitch, they are required to specify the amount of money they require from the Dragons. The rules stipulate that if they do not raise at least this amount from one or more Dragons, then they would leave with nothing. In exchange for the investment, the contestants offer in their business, the percentage of which is also stipulated at the beginning of the pitch. If the Dragons see potential in the business idea or product, negotiations then take place around the amount of equity on offer, with the contestant having the opportunity to negotiate further, accept any offers, or simply walk away. Dragons can also offer a percentage of the money requested if they do not wish to commit the full amount, leaving the other Dragons free to do the same. This can lead to the contestant receiving the financial backing of more than one Dragon, with the benefit of a broader range of expertise. However, for this to occur, the contestant usually has to agree to relinquish a larger share in their business than they had first planned.

A Dragon who, having heard the pitch, does not wish to invest, must declare themselves "out", implying that they leave the discussion. (However, on one occasion in series 4, Peter Jones continued to question an entrepreneur after his own declaration.) This concluding phase may range from a few minutes if the Dragons don't perceive the business plan as credible, to much longer when complex conditions are negotiated. The Dragons often ridicule contestants, on grounds that vary widely, but especially for over-valuation of their respective enterprises.


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