Simu Liu Joins ‘Dragons’ Den’ as Guest Dragon, Seeks Impactful Investments

Simu Liu, a prominent actor known primarily for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Shang-Chi, is diversifying his portfolio by stepping into the business world as a guest Dragon on the upcoming 19th season of CBC‘s “Dragons' Den.” Liu, who will bring his unique perspective to the show, expressed excitement about the opportunity to help entrepreneurs achieve their dreams. In a recent interview, he stated, “I’m really attracted to businesses that have a tangible impact on everyday people.”

Liu’s journey to this point is as remarkable as it is diverse. Born in China and immigrating to Canada in 1995, he faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and meeting parental expectations to follow a traditional career path. Despite studying at the Ivey School of Business at Western University and working at Deloitte, Liu was drawn to the creative arts, leading to his breakthrough role in Kim’s Convenience.

His venture into the business sector isn’t new; Liu has been actively involved with companies like MìLà, a maker of restaurant-quality Chinese soup dumplings. Liu recounted an anecdote about his parents enjoying the dumplings, saying, “If my parents can accept these soup dumplings and find them delicious, then there’s no way this business is going to fail.” He eventually joined MìLà as their chief content officer, leveraging his reach and connections to further the brand’s ambitions.

Liu has also established Markham Valley Ventures, a fund targeting Asian and BIPOC businesses, aiming to support initiatives similar to MìLà. Reflecting on his experiences in the entertainment industry as an Asian Canadian, he noted, “I feel like people experienced that whether or not they’re auditioning and especially people who have a lot riding on these businesses.”

As a Dragon, Liu emphasizes the importance of believing in the entrepreneurs behind the businesses. He remarked, “It doesn’t matter how good your product is if it’s not managed well.” His background in storytelling, he believes, provides a competitive edge in marketing strategies, crucial for a business’s success. “It takes something really unique to be able to separate yourself from the pack,” he added.

The new season of “Dragons’ Den,” featuring Simu Liu, is broadcast on CBC Gem, where audiences can see him apply his business acumen and star power in the den, assessing investment opportunities that align with his values and vision for impactful, everyday solutions.