Vegan Ice Cream Maker Rejects $100K Offer on Dragon’s Den

Cecily Mills, the founder of United Kingdom-based vegan ice cream brand Coconuts Naturally rejected a $100,000 business offer from investor Jenny Campbell on reality series Dragon’s Den after new investment opportunities came forward following the September 17 episode. The offer was for 30 percent of Mills’ Cornwall business, which she created in 2015. Billed as the UK’s only organic, dairy-free ice cream made without soy or nuts, Coconuts Naturally comes in six flavors such as Mint Choc Chip, Rum & Raisin, Sumptuous Strawberry, and Coconut Caramel. “Turning down the mentorship and exposure to a phenomenal businesswoman like Jenny Campbell was a very difficult decision,” Mill said. “But again, I followed my instinct and it was the right thing to do for the company. It’s all about trusting yourself.” In her Dragon’s Den pitch, Mills revealed that she did not want to remain a family business and is aiming to become a $1.3 million company within five years. Her pitch also led to an offer from investor Tej Lalvani, who proposed $115,000 for 40 percent of her business. “It was a major confidence boost to see the [investors] belief in me and my product,” Mills said.