Alumnus makes a deal with a dragon

Damberger and other Dragons' Den contestants 

 

David Damberger, BSc'05, strikes a deal with Dragon Arlene Dickinson in the season finale of CBC's Dragons' Den.

David Damberger is a socially-minded entrepreneur and director of strategy for ethical e-retailer, Ethical Ocean, and he's celebrating his company's deal on the season finale of Dragons' Den, which aired March 30.

The taping of Dragons' Den–a hit CBC show where entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to potential investors–wrapped up over nine months ago and Damberger and his team haven't stopped since.

Ethical Ocean's motto is "commerce with a conscience." Based on the belief that the products we buy have a fundamental impact on our planet and its inhabitants, Ethical Ocean give its sellers the opportunity to showcase their products while educating the consumer with information on the product's ingredients, origin certifications and more. Products are separated into such categories as: eco-friendly, organic, animal-friendly, people-friendly and social change. Customers also have the chance to rate products they purchase and provide feedback.

With Dragon and Calgarian Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada's most successful marketing communications entrepreneurs backing Ethical Ocean with $150,000, and $500,000 more raised from angel investors, Damberger and his team have hired three full-time staff members and increased their online product offering from 600 to more-than 2700.

Damberger says Ethical Ocean needs to increase their product offering and expand to the U.S. and overseas. "People want to shop ethically," says Damberger. "And we're proof of this."

Damberger's entrepreneurial spirit and social conscience began to take shape while he was student. He founded the U of C's chapter of Engineers Without Borders and was its president for two years. He says applying his education to make a difference has always been a priority.

"My leadership experience on campus helped me launch what I'm doing today."

To learn more about David Damberger and Ethical Ocean, please visit www.ethicalocean.com.