Riley Yen Rises on Shark Tank

Turning Grit and Vision into a Bold Venture

Riley Yen, a 23-year-old Chinese American entrepreneur, recently took the spotlight on ABC’s hit startup show “Shark Tank”, pitching his ready-to-eat chicken brand Impeccable Chicken alongside two co-founders.

All-In Moment on Shark Tank

On the October 1 nationwide episode of "Shark Tank", four startup teams pitched, and three won deals.

Riley Yen’s team (below) stole the spotlight with a witty demo showcasing premium ingredients, no preservatives, and ready-to-eat freshness.

In a rare moment, all five Sharks wanted in. Yen’s team accepted an offer from two influential investors in retail and women’s markets—$200,000 for 15% equity, the largest deal of the episode.

Each season, “Shark Tank” receives over 10,000 applications, but only a select few are chosen to pitch on air. Even fewer walk away with a deal. 

As friends and colleagues tuned in to watch, the moment became a proud milestone for both Yen and the Chinese American community.

Talent in Motion, Leadership in Bloom

Born and raised in Southern California to parents from Taiwan, Riley Yen began showing initiative and leadership from a young age. 

In high school, he played varsity basketball, mentored younger teammates, and represented his school in international business and healthcare competitions.

He also launched a YouTube channel and podcast, tutored students with special needs, and self-taught personal finance—eventually publishing a book on Amazon. 

His award-winning short film in a national competition even made it onto a big screen near Times Square.

In 2024, Yen graduated early from USC’s Marshall School of Business and landed a job offer at KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms. 

But before starting his career, he made a bold choice—to embark on a 12-day, 1,000-kilometer solo cycling trip around Taiwan.

From Spark to Startup

More than a physical challenge, that trip became the seed for a business idea. 

In a 7-Eleven cold case, he spotted vacuum-sealed chicken breasts flying off the shelves. “Compared to protein bars or shakes, real chicken feels more natural and filling,” he observed.

Back in the U.S., Yen began market research—visiting gyms, schools, and supermarkets to observe dietary habits. 

Combining his business and health studies, he co-founded Impeccable Chicken and partnered with an HPP facility to produce preservative-free, ready-to-eat chicken.

Each 130-calorie pack delivers 27g of protein in Teriyaki, Black Pepper, or Spicy—and quickly caught on with health-focused 20-somethings.

Yen kept a strict routine—training, factory visits, and late-night edits. His cycling doc and startup story drew 3.4M+ views, inspiring strong brand support.

Swimming with Sharks

In February, they beat thousands to pitch on "Shark Tank", using humor and insight to win over all five “Sharks”.

Ultimately, they chose two investors—both influential with women and retail audiences—who offered $200,000 for 15% equity. 

“We just hoped for exposure,” Yen said. “Earning all five “Sharks” support was beyond our expectations—and boosted our confidence.”

Driven by Purpose, Grounded in Grit

Asked why he chose to start a company before beginning a stable career, Yen didn’t hesitate: “I want my existence to add value and help people. 

Entrepreneurship isn’t about fast money. It’s about seeing a problem, believing you can solve it, and staying the course.”

From Southern California to Taiwan, from a convenience store encounter to a national TV spotlight, Yen’s story proves that dreams aren’t found—they’re built, one step at a time.

In a world of pressure and endless choices, Yen’s leap looked like a freefall. But as he fell, he built wings—and rose by embracing the unknown.

More than a startup — Riley Yen’s journey from solo ride to bold leadership blazes a trail for Chinese American founders.