The pitch
What walked into the Den
Hornet Energy, out of Laval, Quebec, makes caffeinated gels designed to keep runners and cyclists fueled deep into an effort.
Jérémie Farley and Mahdi Darehshiri brought the brand to season 20, seeking $150,000 for a 10 percent share and putting a $1.5 million price on the whole business.
After the show
What happened next
Sales are clearly running. Hornet's Shopify store was live in July 2026 with a working cart and multiple payment options, and its Instagram was still posting, so the gel business is active whatever happened on set.
Our read
The Hub verdict
Hornet opened at $150,000 for 10 percent, a $1.5 million tag on an endurance gel fighting for room in a crowded fuel category. The panel countered low at $150,000 for 30 percent, the founder came back asking $250,000 for 25 percent, and every Dragon on the floor took a piece at 5 percent each, with Tara Bosch closing it out on the grounds that she was betting on the person. Five Dragons splitting one small stake spreads the risk to almost nothing each. The brand is still selling through its own store and active on social in 2026.
All five Dragons in at 5 percent each for $250,000
