An Asian American boba brand seizes a unique opportunity after actor Simu Liu ignites a debate on cultural appropriation. Olivia Chen and Pauline Ang, the entrepreneurs behind the boba milk tea brand Twrl, faced rejection three times on the reality show “Shark Tank.” However, a surprising turn of events landed them a chance to present their pitch to Simu Liu, a well-known investor, after they posted a TikTok video supporting his call-out of cultural appropriation on “Dragons’ Den,” the Canadian equivalent of “Shark Tank.”
The incident on “Dragons’ Den” stirred discussions on the fine line between appropriation and appreciation when selling products outside one’s cultural heritage. It shed light on how profiting from a culture without personal ties can widen disparities for businesses from marginalised groups. Chen and Ang hope their actions can drive these conversations forward and educate people on the issues at hand.
Liu, who serves as a guest venture capitalist on “Dragons’ Den,” decided not to engage with the founders of Bobba, a Quebec-based boba drink brand. The company had faced criticism for not acknowledging boba’s cultural origins on their products. The history of boba traces back over centuries, originating from the root vegetable cassava in South America and eventually becoming synonymous with Taiwanese culture.
While boba shops are now widespread, the incident with Bobba underscores the importance of authenticity and respect for cultural heritage. Megan Ruan of Gold House Ventures emphasises the power of personal stories in marketing, encouraging entrepreneurs to be genuine in their approach.
Chen and Ang’s dedication to sourcing their ingredients responsibly and collaborating with Asian artists has helped Twrl establish a presence in major retail outlets across the US. An investment opportunity would greatly accelerate their expansion plans. As a result of the “Dragons’ Den” controversy, Bobba issued an apology, and Liu called for an end to harassment of the brand’s founders.
Chen remains optimistic and believes that amidst the current debate, there is potential for positive change and opportunities for diverse founders to thrive in the industry. With their commitment to authenticity and cultural appreciation, Twrl stands as a testament to the importance of respecting and honouring heritage in business ventures.