Simu Liu defends business owner criticized on Dragons’ Den for having a job

Netizens are praising Simu Liu for defending an entrepreneur who Dragons’ Den investors criticized for working a full-time job.

The Canadian actor who has starred in Marvel’s Shang-Chi, Barbie, and Kim’s Convenience has been a guest on the reality TV show Dragons’ Den, based on the Japanese show Money Tigers.

In a recent episode, Toronto-based business owner Barry Donaldson appeared on the show seeking a $250,000 investment for his company Balu Organics, which sells organic ball pits for children.

However, Dragon investor Wes Hall questioned Donaldson’s dedication to his business for having a full-time job.

“I don’t want to call it a side hustle because this is my baby,” said Donaldson. “I’m passionate about this. I can’t tell you how many nights I’ve slept in the warehouse in one of these things.”

Manjit Minhas interjected, “It’s a side hustle because you have a nine-to-five.”

Hall then asked Donaldson why he hadn’t fully committed his time to a business he considered his passion.

“So, living in Toronto is very, very expensive. So, when you’re doing a start-up business, you can’t really take that chance,” he explained.

“But Barry, I did,” said Hall, to which other Dragons agree to have done the same thing.

Donaldson replied, “Unfortunately, I couldn’t. Not everybody is in a position to do that. On top of that, I have two very young children.”

Hall replied, “I had three, Barry. You got a day job. I can’t invest behind someone [for whom] this is secondary to them; it’s got to be number one. So I’m going to be out for that reason.”

However, Liu, who looked anxious during the exchange, finally spoke up.

“Wes, I’ve got to say, I disagree here. I disagree. I understand. I think investors want their founders, obviously, to prioritize their business,” he said.

“But the economic reality of a lot of people starting businesses at later stages in life is that they have responsibilities that they have to adhere to. And I don’t think that should be the only thing that deters you as an investor. That’s all.”

Many praised Donaldson for supporting his family while working to build his business.

“The fact that he’s prioritizing his children is very admirable,” wrote one commenter.

Another stated, “A lot of people have nine-to-fives until their passion projects can finally pay the bills and become their main source of income. Put some respect that he’s trying to do both without stressing his family out.”

The interaction sparked anger online, with netizens accusing the other Dragons of being out of touch.

“The panel reeks of privilege and no empathy,” said one commenter. “They need to remember their ‘humble’ beginnings and stop acting like it’s easy for everyone to just quit their jobs right off the top. Sometimes, you still have to have a nine-to-five for a period of time.”

“They’re so condescending, wow,” wrote one viewer. “That’s what money does; they lose empathy.

“‘I had three.’ So he’s THAT guy,” stated another. “If you know, you know. Always got to one-up the person.”

One commenter wrote, “Wes, let’s be serious; times are different now. You can still make $100k a year, and it’s a struggle in certain places. The man literally told you that it wasn’t his side hustle. And for the record, how many side hustles sell almost $2 million in less than four years? Sounds like you missed out on something. I wish this guy all the success in the world.”

Many praised Liu for being sympathetic to Donaldson’s struggles.

“These people are disturbingly out of touch, and the ‘I did’ mantra was obnoxious. Good on Simu for being realistic,” said one netizen.

One viewer wrote, “Every clip I see of Simu on Dragons’ Den is him being level-headed and everyone else being insanely out of touch.”

“Simu living in 2024. The rest are from the ’90s,” said another.

“Simu is the only person up there with common sense. Not dismissive and shows empathy towards the reality of economic survival,” wrote one commenter.

One person couldn’t resist throwing in a Kim’s Convenience reference.

“Simu knows the struggle. He grew up working at his family’s convenience store,” they stated.

It’s not the first time Liu has been praised for raising issues on the show. In October, he defended two contestants who’ve been the target of online hate after they were accused of cultural appropriation. The public outcry led to Minhas pulling her investment from the Quebec-based bubble tea company.