By tf-lawyer.com Two Chinese-American entrepreneurs, Olivia Chen and Pauline Ang, co-founders of the canned boba tea brand Twrl, are making strides in the beverage industry while navigating the complexities of cultural representation. Their journey recently gained attention when the well-known actor Simu Liu called out a Canadian entrepreneur for cultural appropriation related to boba tea in a popular show. Following this, Liu’s investment team reached out to Chen and Ang, inviting them to submit an investment proposal for Twrl, potentially paving the way for Liu to become a shareholder.
Despite their efforts over the past four years, Chen and Ang have faced challenges securing investments, having applied three times to appear on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Their TikTok video supporting Liu’s stance on a similar Canadian program, “Dragons’ Den,” caught his attention and initiated further contact between the parties.
Olivia Chen, who is Taiwanese-American, explained that after viewing a segment of “Dragons’ Den,” she felt compelled to create a short video to raise awareness about the existence of alternative options in the market. She hopes to foster dialogue and educate others through their venture.
Liu, who appeared as a guest investor on “Dragons’ Den,” expressed concern regarding the Quebec entrepreneur’s boba packaging, which he felt lacked ties to the drink’s Taiwanese roots. He criticized the claims that the entrepreneur had improved a traditional beverage, referring to it as cultural appropriation and ultimately choosing not to invest. Liu emphasized his desire to uplift businesses that honor and profit from cultural heritage. The episode sparked widespread discussion, leading the Quebec entrepreneur to issue a public apology and an investor to withdraw a million-dollar commitment.
Chen conveyed her worries about businesses like the Quebec company entering the boba tea industry solely for profit without a genuine appreciation for the drink. She sees the current dialogues as opportunities for positive outcomes, asking, “Do other entrepreneurs like me have the chance to rise?”
Twrl continues to collaborate with tea farmers from Japan and China, ensuring that their boba ingredients are sourced from Taiwan and that their product designs are crafted by Asian artists. Their offerings include unique flavors like ube and hojicha, available at Sprouts supermarkets, Whole Foods locations across ten states, and on Amazon. Additional investment would significantly enhance their marketing efforts and propel Twrl’s growth in the market.
