I had five offers on Dragons' Den but never got a penny

- now I own a £5m empire

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.