$1Mfor 10%
Protein Candy
Valued at $10M
The pitch
Michael Matchett from Calgary, AB, pitched ZippGuard in Season 18, Episode 2, asking the Dragons for $75K for 15% of the company.
- Asked for$75K for 15%
- Valuation$500Kimplied by the ask
- OutcomeNo deal
Offers in the Den
| Dragon | Offer | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Herjavec | Flabbergasted by spending, going out | Out |
| Manjit Minhas | Does not think this is the right solution, going out | Out |
| Wes Hall | Valuation too high for pre-revenue business with a clunky product, going out | Out |
| Arlene Dickinson | Does not see it becoming a large business, going out | Out |
| Vincenzo Guzzo | Valuation does not make sense, going out | Out |
Michael Matchett of Calgary, AB asked for $75,000 for 15% equity in ZippGuard, a safety lock device that attaches to zipper compartments on bags to deter pickpockets and keep children out of dangerous items. The product is manufactured in Airdrie, Alberta for about $2.80 per unit, sold wholesale for $10, and retail for $20, with over 200 prototypes developed. The business had raised $30,000 through a Kickstarter campaign and had some pending but unconfirmed deals, including discussions with a major airline, while the founder had personally invested $225,000, including $100,000 of his own money and $125,000 in bank loans, valuing the business at $500,000.
All five Dragons went out, citing the high valuation relative to the pre-revenue stage of the business, the lack of purchase orders for pending deals, and skepticism about the product's market fit. Robert Herjavec, Manjit Minhas, Wes Hall, Arlene Dickinson and Vincenzo Guzzo all declined to invest, resulting in no deal.
Pitch details from CBC’s Dragons’ Den pitch page.
ZippGuard today
- StatusIn businessLast checked September 2026
ZippGuard is still operating and sells through its website.