Michele Romanow
Tech titan Michele Romanow is an engineer and serial entrepreneur who started six companies before her 35th birthday. Her business savvy, drive, and tenacity led her to become the youngest entrepreneur ever to star as a “Dragon” on CBC’s hit show Dragons’ Den. Romanow joined in the tenth season, after starring in its web series, Next Gen Den, a launching pad for young entrepreneurs.
Romanow is the co-founder and CEO of Clearco (formerly Clearbanc), which has invested more than $3.2 billion into 7,000+ companies making it the biggest e-commerce investor in the world. In 2021, the company raised US $100 million at nearly a US $2 billion valuation, bringing Clearco up to unicorn status. It is one of only 23 fintech unicorns with a female founder.
Prior to this, Romanow helmed SnapSaves, bought by tech giant Groupon, and Buytopia.ca, which under her leadership acquired ten of their top competitors, including Shop.ca and WagJag. She has also created digital solutions for many global leading brands, including P&G, Netflix, Starbucks, and Cirque du Soleil.
In recognition of her impressive entrepreneurial career, and her time as a “Dragon”, Romanow was named one of the “100 Most Powerful in Canada” by WXN, a “Young Global Leader” by World Economic Forum, and one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40”. She was also the only Canadian to be included in Forbes’ “Millennial on a Mission” list. She has also been featured and profiled in several top media publications including Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, TechCrunch, The New York Times, Inc. Magazine, and The Globe and Mail.
Romanow is a director for Vail Resorts, BBTV, and Queen’s Business School. She has previously sat on the board of directors for Freshii, Whistler Blackcomb, SHAD International, and League of Innovators. Romanow is also the co-founder of the Canadian Entrepreneurship Initiative non-profit alongside Sir Richard Branson.
Renowned for her youthful energy, enthusiasm, and business savvy, Romanow serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, and particularly, women in business, everywhere. Through her channels, she is known for sharing practical business and entrepreneurial advice, while sharing insight into her fashionable and smart business lifestyle.