Dragons' Den

Canadian version of the reality show in which budding entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of venture capitalists in the hopes of securing business financing.

Dragons' Den is a Canadian reality competition series created for CBC Television, adapting a global business pitch format. Budding entrepreneurs step before a panel of wealthy venture capitalists, known as dragons, and make their case for a business idea in hopes of securing financing. The dragons question founders on margins, markets and personal commitment, and their offers often bring pointed negotiation over equity stakes. Each episode turns on the pitch itself: a founder's nerve, preparation and numbers are tested in real time, and the deal either closes on camera or collapses. Across more than twenty seasons, the format remains a self-contained case-of-the-week structure. The tone is brisk, candid and often tense, with moments of humor and surprise as founders and investors clash. Viewers who enjoy Shark Tank or The Apprentice will find the same appetite for high-stakes business judgment and entrepreneurial ambition, grounded in Canadian commerce and everyday ambition.

Critics generally find the format engaging and informative, with the dragons' sharp questioning and real stakes as the main draws, though the editing is often seen as manufacturing drama.

• Shark Tank (2009)shared unscripted business pitch format with investors judging entrepreneurs
• Dragons' Den (UK)shared entrepreneurial pitch competition with panel of investors and deal negotiation
• The Apprenticeshared competitive reality format built on high-stakes judgment of contestants

Created by

Tracie Tighe, Lisa Gabriele

Release Date

2006-10-03

Episode runtime

45 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (19)

What is Dragons' Den about?

Budding Canadian entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of venture capitalists hoping to win financing.

What is Dragons' Den like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dragons' Den as brisk, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as simple.

Is Dragons' Den violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Dragons' Den.

What did critics think of Dragons' Den?

Critics generally find the format engaging and informative, with the dragons' sharp questioning and real stakes as the main draws, though the editing is often seen as manufacturing drama.

Which shows are like Dragons' Den?

Shows with a similar feel include Shark Tank (2009), Dragons' Den (UK), and The Apprentice.

How long is Dragons' Den?

Dragons' Den: 21 seasons, 333 episodes.

Is Dragons' Den still running?

Yes, Dragons' Den is still running.