Shanghai-headquartered format producer-distributor IPCN is to produce a localized version of hit reality series Dragons’ Den for Chinese broadcaster Shenzhen TV.

IPCN’s Shanghai-based production team is producing the series, with Rebecca Yang serving as executive producer. Shenzhen TV’s Zhang Zhen commissioned the series. The Chinese adaptation will air on May 22 on Shenzhen TV.

The 12 x 60-minute series will feature such Chinese businessmen as Xu Xiaoping, founder of ZhenFund and co-founder and former vice chairman of New Oriental Education & Technology Group, the largest provider of private education in China; and Internet pioneer Jinbo Yao, founder of 58.com.

Originally created by Japan’s Nippon TV, Dragons’ Den sees entrepreneurs pitching their business plans to a panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing the financial backing to develop their business or idea into a successful company. The show has had local versions produced in Canada, Australia, Russia and the UK, among others. China is the 27th country to adapt the format.

IPCN most recently announced a copro deal with Glasgow-based STV Productions to develop a Celebrity Antiques Road Trip-inspired format for the Chinese market titled Journey to the Precious.

The firm’s production credits include a raft of localized formats for Chinese broadcasters that includes The Secret Millionaire for Dragon TV, Supernanny for Anhui TV and China’s Next Top Model for CQTV.