Dragons' Den (UK TV series)
| Dragons' Den | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 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 Television |
| 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 Television 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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