Right at the start of the second episode of "Die Höhle der Löwen" (VOX, Tuesday from 8:15 p.m. or at TVNow), founder Christoph had a mission: No woman should have to suffer for beauty – at least when it comes to her feet and High heels goes. Christoph, whose father is an orthopedic surgeon, studied shoe technology and developed the perfect high shoe that, thanks to an anatomically shaped footbed, should optimally shift weight and provide a more comfortable fit. The shoes are said to cost 265 euros, and 200,000 euros for 5 percent of the company's shares.
The lionesses were allowed to try on his shoes. Beauty expert Judith Williams (48) examined the shoe and was thrilled. "Sensational, very well-founded." Dagmar Wöhrl (65) also raved: "You feel bedded, you have the feeling that you have more support." Frank Thelen (44) was surprised: "Are the manufacturers of brand shoes so stupid? Why don't they do that?" Nevertheless, he does not invest – like the other investors. "The quality is consistent, but it didn't grab me, so I have to cancel it with a heavy heart," Williams said.
Thelen finds product "so trivial"
The next founder had been working on his invention for four years. The result is "Flexy Lot", a revolutionary picture hanging system that should help to align pictures exactly. Founder Alexander wants 125,000 euros for 25.1 percent. "Flexy Lot" is available in Pro and Basic, the Pro version should cost 12.95 euros. Thelen can try it out – his premiere: "I've never hung a picture," he confessed with a grin. The product convinced and amazed him. "It's so trivial, someone must have figured it out already?"
Ralf Dümmel (53) knew better and did not miss the offer: "You are a hammer type, you have an idea that solves problems, a mega product, I am the right lion for it, let's make it big." However, the department store king asked 30 percent for 125,000 euros. The founder nevertheless assumed: "I already had the gut feeling that it fits well with dumbbells."
Nils Glagau: "I have never experienced such an authentic founder"
The story of the next founder touched the lions deeply. Thomas was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 28. "It completely knocked me off the track, I was gone for a year and needed care." Thomas learned to appreciate the help of nurses and now wants to change the industry with his invention "Curassist". He wants 500,000 euros for 15 percent. "Curassist" is an app that guides nurses step by step into self-employment and through the bureaucracy jungle. "With us, every caregiver on the free market can work independently."
The lions were impressed. "The topic is great. The story of the hammer." Nils Glagau (44) also thought so: "A big compliment, I have never seen such an authentic founder, but I am not familiar with the area and am therefore out."
In contrast to Wöhrl: "My mother is 93 years old, I know the situation, you have an improvement for the people and I would like to invest." And Carsten Maschmeyer (60) also wanted to get in: "You impress me, you do it out of conviction." The two lions made a joint offer to the founder, which he accepted after a short consideration: "500,000 for 30 percent and we would make it fly."
Georg Kofler: "You are insulting our intelligence"
Flavio, Reto and Alan meanwhile were looking for a sponsor for "Pet Tracer". The Swiss trio has invented a collar that can be used to find a cat that has disappeared, and there is also an app that can be used to track the animal's paths. The collar has GPS, a direction finder and a battery that lasts up to 4 weeks. The founders needed 750,000 euros, and offered 10 percent of the company shares.
Maschmeyer thought "Pet Tracer" was chic, but too thick and the price too high. The collar is said to cost 175 euros, plus the app costs. "You have a lot of competition, which is cheaper. Cats keep falling on their paws, I hope that happens to you too, I'm out." Georg Kofler (62) got out with a swipe: "You are insulting our intelligence, I find the rating catastrophic and am out." In the end, no deal jumped out for the founders.
A final betting
Founder Christian works as a fitness trainer and has invented a new training device, an ergonomic barbell. He worked on "YAB" for two years and has already won prizes with the new short-arm barbell. He wanted 150,000 euros for 15 percent. All lions were allowed to try the barbell and were very enthusiastic.
In the end, there was a bet between Kofler and Glagau. Both offered 150,000 euros for 20 percent of "YAB". But fitness trainer Christian sensed even more: "I would like 100,000 as working capital." Had he gambled away? Not at all, with a compromise and 200,000 euros for 25 percent company shares, Kofler grabbed the last deal of the evening.