About
Michele Romanow is a Canadian tech entrepreneur, television personality, and business leader who has gained prominence as one of the youngest investors on the Canadian show Dragons’ Den. Born in 1985, she spent her early years exploring possibilities that would later shape her approach to business. Over the years, she has launched a series of innovative ventures, carving out a reputation as a forward-thinking leader in e-commerce and fintech.
Her calm, personable style has endeared her to fans and budding entrepreneurs alike. She has consistently demonstrated a willingness to adapt, pivot, and reinvent her strategies in response to market needs. What truly stands out is her commitment to supporting and scaling businesses that challenge conventional norms. Michele is known for her keen eye in discovering rising enterprises, and her track record on Dragons’ Den displays the kind of confidence she has built from personal experience.
Outside of her role on television, Michele serves as a role model for many entrepreneurs, especially young women, who see her as someone who has thrived in traditionally male-dominated sectors like technology and finance. Her story is both a testament to her tenacity and a reminder that creativity in business can flourish at any age with the right mindset. As a dynamic professional, she constantly explores new horizons, demonstrating that resilience and a readiness to learn are often more important than any single business plan.
Before Fame
Long before she stepped into the world of television, Michele was an ambitious student who recognized the importance of solid academic foundations. She attended Queen’s University, where she studied Civil Engineering. Alongside this technical focus, she later obtained her Master of Business Administration (MBA). Balancing these two paths—one rooted in analytical problem-solving and the other in strategic management—proved crucial in shaping her flexible approach to the business world.
During her time at university, she had already begun experimenting with entrepreneurial ideas. Legend has it that she started small, exploring unique ventures that combined sustainability with consumer needs. Although her very first business concepts were more humble in scope, they planted the seeds for future expansions. Early successes and minor setbacks taught her to adapt, a lesson that proved invaluable when she moved on to larger projects.
Not one to shy away from bold moves, Michele co-founded ventures in e-commerce soon after completing her studies. She was instrumental in launching Buytopia, a platform centered around daily deals and group buying, which quickly gained traction in Canada. This experience gave her a firsthand look into the complexities of online retail and helped her refine her knack for identifying consumer trends. Her willingness to challenge existing business models gave her an edge, and she continued to harness that momentum when she established additional startups.
Trivia
- Youngest Dragon: Michele joined Dragons’ Den at a notably young age. This distinction highlighted not only her fresh perspective but also her readiness to compete and collaborate with more seasoned investors in the show’s lineup.
- Serial Entrepreneur: She has had a hand in founding multiple companies, including Buytopia and SnapSaves, the latter of which was eventually acquired by Groupon. Her focus on technology-driven consumer solutions underscores her dedication to providing accessible resources for everyday needs.
- Fintech Innovator: One of her more recent ventures is Clearco (formerly Clearbanc), a financial technology company co-founded by Michele. Clearco stands out for its unconventional funding model, designed to offer faster, more flexible capital to e-commerce businesses without forcing entrepreneurs to give up equity.
- Recognition and Awards: Michele’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has appeared on various lists celebrating innovative business leaders. Her name has frequently surfaced among top entrepreneurs, and she has served as a speaker at conferences that highlight the future of retail and technology.
- Community Focus: Beyond her commercial endeavors, Michele supports initiatives that empower future innovators. She often shares insights about embracing risks, learning from challenges, and cultivating ethical approaches to growth in the digital era.
Family Life
Michele was born in Calgary, Alberta, though her family has roots across different parts of Canada. She speaks warmly about her upbringing, describing it as full of curiosity and resourcefulness. While she tends to keep much of her personal life away from the public eye, she has occasionally revealed stories of her supportive parents, who encouraged her to think creatively and independently from a young age.
Growing up, Michele learned the value of discipline and persistence. Her family environment allowed her to experiment with new interests, test business ideas, and stay eager about possibilities. Even though she rarely offers detailed glimpses of her private world, it is evident that her close-knit ties have been a source of motivation.
Whether she is collaborating on a new venture or investing in fledgling enterprises on television, her actions reflect the kind of confidence that is often nurtured by a stable and encouraging home life. She has credited her family with instilling a sense of responsibility and drive, traits that have become evident through her many entrepreneurial adventures.
Associated With
Michele is widely known for her role on Dragons’ Den, where she appears alongside other high-profile Canadian investors. This notable roster includes business figures such as Manjit Minhas, Arlene Dickinson, and Jim Treliving. Sharing the stage with them has allowed Michele to offer a more modern and tech-savvy perspective on emerging businesses.
Her contributions on the show often focus on companies using innovative technology to disrupt established markets. Whereas other panelists might bring decades of brick-and-mortar experience, Michele zeroes in on digital trends and data-driven growth strategies. Though there can be differences in investing philosophies, she has become an integral part of the program by introducing fresh insights.
Beyond the Canadian broadcasting space, Michele is sometimes compared to prominent entrepreneurs and investors on international shows like Shark Tank. This broader recognition stems from her penchant for tackling innovative challenges within the tech sphere. Yet, she remains distinct for her hands-on style and the holistic support she offers to the companies in which she invests, both on and off camera.
In addition to her television connections, Michele has formed partnerships with various innovators across North America. Her network includes startup founders, thought leaders, and fellow venture capitalists who share her desire to redefine how businesses scale. While specific collaborations vary, what unites these alliances is a shared passion for making creative, data-driven ideas a reality.
