When Jacob Thundil walked out of Dragons’ Den, he couldn’t believe his luck after getting offers from all FIVE of the investors.
In 2016, he accepted £75k for a 20 per cent share in his coconut product business from stars Nick Jenkins and Sarah Wallingham.
But a year later the deal fell through when Jacob was unable to provide reports about his cashflow, accounts and management.
For many, losing the Dragons’ investment would be a damning blow - but looking back the 49-year-old says he is actually relieved.
Jacob says: “I’m really happy it didn’t go through now. We are worth around £5million now and there’s nothing for me to share."
The firm - Cocofina - has since gone from to strength to strength and is growing at around 20 per cent a year.
The entrepreneur also mentors small businesses and helped to develop a training guide which led him to being awarded an MBE in 2021.