A Wren Says

Ben and Jerry want their company back. Since selling their eponymous ice cream brand to Unilever, they have faced barriers keeping true to their roots. As they attempt, through the independent board, to put their progressive values at the core of what they do, Unilever have pushed back.

In protest to the war in Gaza, they wanted to pull their products from the West Bank. Unilever didn’t like that. They attempted to continue their outspoken political statements. Unilever is trying to quiet that. Strong activism can be polarizing and hurt the bottom line. Unilever bought the company to make money, not a statement. Now the time has come for the founding duo to put a stop that and take their company back. With a team of value aligned investors, they seek to buy back their brand.

You could take this as just news, or a warning. While it is often the goal of many a founder to sell their business for millions if not billions, it comes at a cost. When you turn the keys over, you lose decision-making power and the freedom that comes from being the sole owner. And if a company is willing and able to spend billions on your company, they may not be interested in maintaining all of your social justice values.

Before you sell your brand or idea, really think about what it might really cost you in the end.