San Francisco-based entrepreneurs Olivia Chen and Pauline Ang, the dynamic duo behind the Asian-American boba tea brand Twrl, are on the verge of pitching to a celebrity investor they never expected—Chinese-Canadian actor Simu Liu. Known for his leading role in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Liu has taken an unexpected interest in Twrl after a viral TikTok moment led to a unique opportunity for the brand.
Chen and Ang had previously made three unsuccessful attempts to appear on Shark Tank, the popular U.S. reality show where entrepreneurs vie for investment from industry giants. However, their big break may come through a very different channel.
In an unexpected twist, the chance to pitch to Liu emerged after the actor publicly criticized the white owners of another boba tea brand on Dragons’ Den—Canada’s version of Shark Tank—accusing them of cultural appropriation. In response, Chen posted a TikTok video in support of Liu’s stance, highlighting Twrl as an authentic, Asian-American alternative in the boba market. The video quickly gained attention, and before long, it caught the eye of Liu himself.
Liu’s team reached out to Twrl, inviting them to submit a “pitch deck”—a significant step for the business partners. “At first, I didn’t believe it was real,” Chen admitted. “But I wanted to make the video because I felt it was important to let people know there are authentic alternatives like Twrl.”
Twrl, which is rooted in Chen and Ang’s shared passion for creating a healthier, plant-based version of traditional boba tea, has already gained a loyal following. Their canned milk tea products are crafted with premium ingredients, including organic, fair-trade tea leaves and dairy-free milk options, making them a standout in the growing boba market.
With this new opportunity on the horizon, Twrl is poised for potential growth beyond what the founders had ever imagined. The chance to pitch to a star like Simu Liu represents not just a business milestone, but also a moment of cultural significance, as Twrl proudly represents authentic Asian-American voices in the competitive world of boba tea.
The founders are optimistic about what lies ahead. “We’ve always believed in Twrl, and this opportunity only reaffirms that we’re on the right path,” said Chen. With Liu’s support, Twrl could be on the brink of an exciting new chapter in the booming global milk tea industry.
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