For Barrie entrepreneur Dawn Mucci, stepping into the Dragon’s Den was daunting.
Mucci is the founder and CEO of Lice Squad, a head-lice treatment company she launched 25 years ago. The business has successfully since grown to 36 franchise locations across Canada.
In 2025, as CBC’s Dragon’s Den prepared for its 20th season, the long-running reality show began searching for Canadian entrepreneurs to pitch business ideas to a five-member panel of venture capitalists in hopes of securing financing and partnerships.
A longtime fan of the show, Mucci decided to apply.
“I’ve been watching this show religiously since it started and always wanted to be on it, but I was afraid I wasn’t ready or that everything had to be perfect,” she said.
“When the opportunity for the 20th anniversary season came up, I thought, why not give it a shot?”
Mucci’s episode aired Jan. 8, 2026. She asked the panel for mentorship and an investment of $150,000 in exchange for five per cent of Lice Squad.
While she did not secure a deal, Mucci said the experience was still valuable.
“My biggest takeaway from appearing on Dragon’s Den was that perfection is the enemy of done nor one,” she said.
“You should always face your fears and be your authentic self, without apology.”
Mucci said nerves affected her pitch, causing her to temporarily forget key figures during questioning from the panel. Ultimately, the panelists said her valuation and uncertainty around her most recent financial numbers contributed to their decision not to make a deal.
“I ran so many scenarios through my head that when it came time to pitch, I was overwhelmed and forgot my numbers,” she said.
“I feel like that cost me the opportunity to make a deal.”
Despite that, she said she has no regrets.
“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” she said.
“It was a very positive experience. I learned a lot and received valuable feedback.” Mucci said she would consider applying again in the future, armed with what she learned.
“I’d love a second chance. Knowing what I know now, I feel more confident — and I’d still love the opportunity to partner with a Dragon one day.”
