Simu Liu’s Dragons’ Den Moment: Why Founders with Families Can’t Just Quit Their Jobs

When people talk about entrepreneurship, it’s often romanticised.

The idea of following your passion, building something from the ground up, and potentially becoming your own boss is tempting. But what doesn’t get talked about enough is how that looks when you’ve got a family depending on you.

For many founders, the reality isn’t about risking it all for a dream — it’s about balancing that dream with keeping food on the table.

The clip from the US version of Dragon’s Den featuring Simu Liu highlights this perfectly.

A founder pitching his business mentioned that he still has a 9-to-5 job because his priority is supporting his family. Two of the judges criticised him for not being “all in,” implying that his hesitance to abandon financial security made him less worthy of investment.

It’s a moment that resonated with many, not because the judges had a point, but because it showed how disconnected some investors are from the lives of everyday people.

The moment in question:

The “All In” Myth

The idea that founders need to be “all in” is a recurring narrative in the startup world. Investors often claim they want to see 100% commitment before writing a cheque. The logic is that if you’re splitting your time, you can’t possibly give your startup the focus it needs to succeed.

But this ignores one crucial reality: not everyone has the privilege to go all in.

For founders with families, quitting a stable job to chase a business idea isn’t just risky — it’s irresponsible. Families rely on predictable income for essentials like rent, utilities, and healthcare. Taking that away isn’t a simple leap of faith; it’s a gamble with the well-being of loved ones.

It’s easy for wealthy investors to insist on total commitment when they’ve already made their money. They’re sitting in a position of financial security and likely haven’t faced the kind of paycheck-to-paycheck anxiety many families experience.

For them, going “all in” feels noble or bold. For the average founder with dependents, it can mean ruin.

Founders Are Already Overloaded

Being a parent or partner is a full-time job in itself. Add a traditional 9-to-5 on top of that, and you’re already working two jobs. Then layer on the time, energy, and stress of starting a business. It’s not just about hours worked — it’s about emotional and mental bandwidth.

Many founders do this because they have no other choice.

A steady paycheck keeps the lights on, while evenings and weekends are spent hustling to get the business off the ground. This isn’t a lack of commitment; it’s extraordinary dedication. These founders are essentially working three jobs, all to create a better future for their families.

Criticising someone for not throwing themselves entirely into their startup dismisses the realities of juggling multiple roles. It also ignores the fact that this approach isn’t just pragmatic — it’s often necessary for success. Founders who maintain other income streams can make decisions from a place of stability rather than desperation.

They’re not forced to take on bad deals or rush to market because their savings are running out.

The current economic climate isn’t exactly welcoming for those who want to take risks. Rising costs of living, high interest rates, and ongoing uncertainty make the stakes even higher for founders with families.

Starting a business has always been risky, but in today’s environment, it’s even harder to justify walking away from a reliable income.

In this context, the advice to “just quit your job” feels particularly tone-deaf. It’s not just about personal sacrifice — it’s about the ripple effect on dependents who don’t get a say in the decision. Sure, there’s always the potential for a business to take off and create financial stability in the long term, but that’s far from guaranteed.

For most people, the safer path is to work on the business in their spare time until it’s generating enough income to replace their job.

What Investors Miss

When investors dismiss founders who aren’t “all in,” they’re ignoring the very real barriers that prevent many people from pursuing entrepreneurship. These barriers disproportionately affect those who aren’t already wealthy, further entrenching inequality in the startup world.

By insisting on total commitment, investors may also be missing out on some of the most resourceful, driven founders out there.

Founders with families and jobs have to be incredibly efficient with their time and resources. They learn to prioritise what matters, avoid distractions, and get things done in the most effective way possible. These are exactly the qualities you want in someone running a business.

More importantly, founders who balance work and family responsibilities bring a unique perspective to the table. They understand the challenges faced by everyday consumers because they’re living them. This insight can lead to better products and services that address real needs, not just niche problems.

Investors need to rethink their approach to founders with families.

Instead of seeing a 9-to-5 as a lack of commitment, they should recognise it as a sign of responsibility and maturity. A founder who prioritises their family’s well-being is likely to bring that same level of care and dedication to their business.

It’s also worth considering alternative investment structures that acknowledge the realities of family life. For example, staged investments that allow founders to transition from part-time to full-time as the business grows could be a better fit.

Investors could also provide resources like mentorship, childcare support, or healthcare benefits to help founders manage the transition.

At a broader level, the startup ecosystem needs to move away from glorifying risk-taking at all costs. The narrative of the lone founder betting everything on their dream might make for a compelling story, but it’s not the only path to success.

Entrepreneurship can and should be accessible to people from all walks of life, including those with families to support.

The Reality of Founders with Families

Founders with families aren’t less committed to their dreams. They’re just operating in a different reality, one where their decisions have immediate consequences for others. They’re building businesses not just for personal fulfilment or financial gain but to create a better future for their loved ones.

This shouldn’t be seen as a weakness. It’s a strength.

Founders with families are often some of the most motivated, resilient, and creative people out there. They’re not just chasing passion; they’re working tirelessly to make it a sustainable reality.

So, the next time someone questions whether a founder is “all in,” maybe they should stop and think about what that actually means. For founders with families, being all in doesn’t mean taking reckless risks. It means doing whatever it takes to build a business while still taking care of the people who matter most.

And that’s a level of commitment worth investing in.