Canadian actor and entrepreneur Simu Liu has defended a business owner who was criticized by Dragons’ Den investors for having a full-time job.
In a recent episode of the show, Barry Donaldson, the founder of Balu Organics, was seeking a $250,000 investment for his company, which sells organic ball pits for children.
However, Dragon investor Wes Hall questioned Donaldson’s dedication to his business because he still has a full-time job.
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“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.”
Hall then asked Donaldson why he hadn’t fully committed his time to a business he considered his passion.
Donaldson explained that he couldn’t afford to quit his job because he has two young children to support.
“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 said.
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 viewers praised Liu for being sympathetic to Donaldson’s struggles.
“Simu is the only person up there with common sense. Not dismissive and shows empathy towards the reality of economic survival,” wrote one commenter.
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This is not the first time that Liu has spoken out against the Dragons’ Den investors. In October, he defended two contestants who were accused of cultural appropriation.
