The format for Dragons' Den was based upon a Japanese programme called Money no Tora (Money Tigers), which began broadcasting in 2001. The Japanese show's format was slightly different with a regular rotation of many different business experts willing to invest their money.
The UK's version of the show has now spawned many different international interpretations of 'Dragons' Den'. Countries with their own version of Dragons' Den have included: Australia, Canada, Finland, Ireland, Israel, Lebanon, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Nigeria.
The presenter of Dragons' Den is Evan Davies, who made his name as the Economics Editor for the BBC's television news and as presenter of BBC Radio Four's flagship early-morning politics programme, Today. Davis is a graduate from Oxford University in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
The two longest-serving dragons on the panel are Peter Jones and Duncan Bannantyne. Peter made his fortune from the telecommunications industry - Duncan from creating a chain of health clubs. Duncan's personal wealth is currently estimated at £320 million, making him the 167th richest person in the UK.
One of the most famous successes from Dragons' Den is the launch of Levi Roots' Reggae Reggae Sauce, a Jamaican-style sauce that Levi had been selling from a stall for many years at the Notting Hill Carnival. As a result of appearing on Dragons' Den, Reggae Reggae Sauce is now on sale right across the UK, with over 50,000 bottles selling each week. Levi Roots has expanded his range of products since appearing on the series, and has even released a cookbook.
However, you don't have to walk away from the Dragons' Den with a big investment to turn your business into a success. The Tangle Teezer, a special hairbrush designed to smooth knotted hair and give extra shine to straight hair, was rejected by all five of the Dragons. However, shortly after appearing on the TV show, inventor Shaun Pulfrey managed to sell his invention to one of the UK's leading stores - and as a result, turnover on his business has hit nearly £1m per year.
But success hasn't always followed all of the Dragons, either. Rachel Elnaugh was the sole female Dragon on the first two series of the programme. She had made her fortune creating a business called Red Letter Days, which provided unusual days out which people could buy as gifts for friends and family - such as parachute jumping and driving high performance motor vehicles. Unfortunately the business collapsed in 2005.
To date, the total amount of money invested by the Dragons in businesses and project that have braved the Dragons' Den is over £6.5 million.
