Entrepreneur Profile: Yuancun Liu founder of My Digital Waiter

Staples is proud to support Canadian entrepreneurs with tools and resources to help them build their businesses and turn their dreams into reality. That’s why, together with Ownr (by RBC Ventures), Shopify and Moneris, we joined the Canada Starts initiative to support Canadian entrepreneurs by awarding grants to help them get their big idea off the ground. We caught up with Yuancun Liu, founder of My Digital Waiter to find out how his business venture is going since being awarded a Canada Starts grant.

Tell us a bit about your business

My Digital Waiter offers digital ordering solutions that enhance in-restaurant dining experiences and improve restaurant safety and operational efficiency. The software allows restaurant customers to seamlessly order and pay for food on their phones without downloading any apps and enables restaurants to manage orders on any smart device without having to buy expensive equipment.

How did COVID-19 shape your business idea?

We had been waiting for the right time to launch. COVID-19 vastly disrupted existing business operations and supply chains and created many opportunities for digitalized solutions across industries – including the restaurant industry. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to create a digital product that addressed the new challenges restaurant owners and their clients were facing as a result of the pandemic.

What’s your greatest struggle as a business owner right now?

For us, the greatest challenge has been operating our business with the lockdown rules in place across Canada. Our pilot timeline had to be delayed by two months because of this.

What are your expectations for 2021 as an entrepreneur?

We are very optimistic about 2021 – as the pandemic subsides, the economic recovery will drive additional demand in the restaurant industry.

Where do you think entrepreneurs should invest their time and money?

I think it’s important for entrepreneurs to invest their money and time in their business and themselves.

What keeps you inspired and working every day?

We are inspired by the fact that we are creating something from the ground up that could help many restaurant operators’ better weather the pandemic.

What tips do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs in 2021?

Do the research and take the first step. Without taking the step, you will never get anywhere.

Do you currently use Staples for your business needs?

Absolutely, we print our table signs at Solutionshop!

Learn more about My Digital Waiter at Mydigitalwaiter.com

Check out Small Business & Entrepreneurship on our Working and Learning Blog to learn more about how Staples Canada is supporting Canadian entrepreneurs.