Dragons Den entrepreneur smashes crowdfunding target after rejecting £150K offer from Touker Suleyman

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‘Planet positive’ bedding brand, Ethical Bedding, has successfully exceeded its £100k crowdfunding target just 12 days after its first Seedrs campaign officially went live and is well on its way of reaching £150K.

Ethical Bedding Founder and young entrepreneur James Higgins made the decision to invite investors harnessing his same sustainable values to own part of the company after he respectfully declined an investment offer of £150k on BBC’s business reality TV show, Dragons’ Den, in January this year.

Now in its third year of trading, the certified BCorp has gained increasing recognition for its ethical and environmental approach to business, with this latest funding round allowing it to continue its mission to build an entire ‘Ethical Empire’ whilst inspiring other companies to champion sustainable practices.

Founder of Ethical Bedding, James Higgins, commented: “In life, you never know for certain whether a plan will come together – irrespective of how much hard work and preparation you put into it – so reaching our crowdfunding target within the space of just 10 days is monumental!

“The capital raised will be used to drive further growth by investing in three core focuses: people, products and brand, including a best-in-class website rebuild and creative content refresh, resulting in a truly immersive mobile-first and web experience for both new and existing customers.

“In addition to our successful funding round, we have experienced 700% organic growth over the past 12 months and record-breaking revenue figures – all whilst upholding our commitment to sustainable business practices and building a deeper connection with our existing customers. To fill the entire SEIS allocation, our next internal target is £250k… Watch this space.”

James founded the data-driven and digital-first D2C brand when he gave up his 10-year career in financial technology after realising that it was taking a toll on his health, and in particular his sleep.

Dedicated to maintaining a 100% ethical production and supply chain, Ethical Bedding offers a high-quality, premium range of sleep accessories including organic eucalyptus duvets, sheets and pillows, designed to provide maximum comfort whilst ensuring a minimal impact on the environment.

The brand’s primary focus for 2023 is to expand its national retail network into high street stores across the UK and Ireland, as well as increase organic social reach on multiple channels by offering genuine value-add in the sleep and wellness space.