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Michele Romanow

Michele Romanow is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television personality known for co-founding Clearco (formerly Clearbanc) and appearing on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Michele Romanow is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television personality known for co-founding Clearco (formerly Clearbanc) and appearing on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. She has also co-founded earlier ventures including Buytopia.ca and SnapSaves, and has been recognized on several Canadian and global business lists.

Early life and education

Romanow studied civil engineering at Queen’s University and later completed an MBA there. Sources also note that she received Queen’s Tricolour, a high university honour.

Business career

Romanow founded or co-founded multiple companies, including The Tea Room, Evandale Caviar, Buytopia.ca, and SnapSaves. Her work later focused on digital commerce and financing models for online businesses.

Clearco

Clearco, originally Clearbanc, is Romanow’s best-known company and is described as a major e-commerce investor and funding platform. Sources differ on scale and valuation over time, but consistently identify it as her flagship venture.

Media and public profile

Romanow joined Dragons’ Den in 2015 and became one of its youngest Dragons. She has also been profiled as a speaker and entrepreneur and has received multiple awards and recognitions.

Key facts

  • Co-founded Clearco, a Toronto-based company that provides revenue-sharing funding to online businesses.
  • Appears as a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.
  • Previously co-founded SnapSaves, which was acquired by Groupon.
  • Also co-founded Buytopia.ca, an early Canadian e-commerce company.
  • Studied at Queen’s University and earned a civil engineering degree and MBA.
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Canadian context

Romanow is a prominent Canadian tech entrepreneur and public-facing investor, and her companies, television role, and awards are closely tied to Canada’s startup and e-commerce sectors.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michele Romanow?
She is a Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television personality best known as a co-founder of Clearco and a Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den.
What companies has Michele Romanow founded?
Reported ventures include The Tea Room, Evandale Caviar, Buytopia.ca, SnapSaves, and Clearco.
What is Clearco?
Clearco is a financing company co-founded by Romanow that provides capital to online businesses, especially e-commerce companies.
Was SnapSaves acquired?
Yes. Sources say SnapSaves was acquired by Groupon in 2014.
What did Michele Romanow study?
She studied civil engineering at Queen’s University and later earned an MBA there.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michele_Romanow
    Supports: Birth year, Canadian entrepreneur identity, Clearbanc/Clearco, Dragons’ Den role, recognition
  2. World Economic Forum — https://www.weforum.org/people/michele-romanow/
    Supports: Company history, Dragon role, earlier ventures, recognitions, Queen’s University background
  3. BBC — https://www.bbc.com/storyworks/limitless-pursuits/michele-romanow-revolutionary-vision
    Supports: Serial entrepreneur profile, Clearco, Buytopia.ca, SnapSaves acquisition
  4. Startupfest — https://www.startupfest.com/speaker/michele-romanow
    Supports: Education, ventures, Dragons’ Den role, board/directorship information
  5. Maclean’s — https://macleans.ca/education/michele-romanow-wants-to-be-a-helpful-dragon/
    Supports: Queen’s education, early business career, Dragons’ Den background
  6. Speakers Canada — https://www.speakers.ca/2022/03/from-caviar-to-clearco-how-michele-romanow-made-it/
    Supports: Clearco founding, funding scale, serial entrepreneurship