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First launched in Japan, Dragons' Den is now an international brand with versions airing in countries across the globe.

Entrepreneurs pitch for investment in the Den from our Dragons, five venture capitalists willing to invest their own money in exchange for equity.

Since series five, the five Dragons have been Duncan Bannatyne, James Caan, Deborah Meaden, Peter Jones and Theo Paphitis.

As of 30th June 2009, these five Dragons have agreed to investments totalling over £5.5 million.

Deals have ranged from Deborah Meaden's relatively modest £35,000 for Sarah Lu's personalisable dolls to the £250,000 Deborah Meaden and Theo Paphitis agreed with Michael Cotton for his misfuelling prevention device in August 2008.

The show has spawned some memorable phrases and inspired moments. Theo Paphitis's refrain "Why should I spend my children's inheritance on this?" is as acerbic and well-known as Duncan Bannatyne's dismissive "That's ridiculous, I'm out".

And who can forget James Seddon's failure to demonstrate his water-free egg cooker or Levi Roots singing the praises of his home-made "Reggae Reggae Sauce". Our history page highlights some of the unforgettable entrepreneurs to grace the Den over six series.