In the tenth season of the “Lions Cave”, the Ankerkraut founders will be present as guest lions. They talk about their success in an interview.
It’s been five years since Stefan and Anne Lemcke presented their startup Ankerkraut in the VOX show “Die Höhle der Löwen”. Today they are successful entrepreneurs and guest lions in the new season, which starts on September 6th (every Monday at 8:15 p.m. at VOX). Frank Thelen, who entered into a deal with the Ankerkraut founders in 2016, helped the couple to great success. The spices are now available in supermarkets across Germany and there are even Ankerkraut shops.
With success, there are often envious and haters. But the two hardly have any of them: “We’re really on the sunny side,” reveals Anne Lemcke. The couple’s life has changed significantly in recent years. Last year they sold part of their company and actually no longer had to work. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Anne and Stefan Lemcke reveal why they still like to do it and what tips they have for new founders.
Your appearance on “Die Höhle der Löwen” was five years ago. What has changed for you since then?
Stefan Lemcke: We sold parts of our company last year. Of course, that was a big step that allowed us financial freedom. In short: we don’t really have to work anymore. But we are still doing it and we still want it. But it is a point in life that is special – for everyone who is allowed to experience it. You see life completely differently again. In the company we have small ups and downs every day. For me it is really nice to see that such a small device is developing into a machine with 200 employees.
Anne Lemcke: It is particularly great that we are there as investors this year.
What made you decide to take part back then? Did someone persuade you?
Anne Lemcke: I persuaded him to do it! We have always enjoyed watching the American original “Shark Tank” in private. Then “Die Höhle der Löwen” came to Germany, we founded Ankerkraut and I said to Stefan: “We have to apply, this is a great opportunity for us”. But he didn’t want that and then at some point I said: “We’re not alone, we have competitors. Imagine we’re sitting here comfortably on the sofa and suddenly someone presents a product similar to ours and we missed the chance let. We apply and see what happens to it. ” We are really very grateful that we got the chance back then and that we are allowed to be part of it now.
What do you think makes the show so successful?
Stefan Lemcke: The authenticity. When you go into the show as a founder, you are fascinated by the fact that everything is really real. As a Leo, you notice that even more. Especially when you mess around and realize that it’s a real fight and it’s about the money. “From dishwasher to millionaire” is a story set with “Die Höhle der Löwen”. People come to the show who are passionate about their ideas. Then later to see how well they have developed – those are the stories people want to hear. It gives you the courage to tackle things yourself.
Anne Lemcke: It’s inspiring and it’s a lot about the human aspect and that founders stand behind their ideas – regardless of age. That’s the beauty of “Die Höhle der Löwen”. You are also never too old to realize your dream.
Which startup has surprised you in recent years?
Anne Lemcke: Cake gossip. You have this childhood memory that nowhere does it taste as good as at Grandma’s. The founder took advantage of this with great recipes and older people who have something to do. We are still in contact with her today. I think it’s a really nice story that is actually very successful. The products are problem solvers. And that’s what it’s all about in the end.
Stefan Lemcke: I think Air up is very good, even if the product was never in “Die Höhle der Löwen”. Otherwise I think Waterdrop is impressive from the show. It’s a product that I also use myself.
What do you pay attention to before investing?
Stefan Lemcke: It’s just a gut feeling. I’ve always done that in business. Of course, you can also help yourself with doing a little math, but gut instinct is the most important thing. You always have to ask yourself if you want to work with them. If the answer to that is no, then don’t.
Anne Lemcke: The focus is on people. A great founder and the right idea make it all in the end.
What makes the perfect pitch for you?
Anne Lemcke: When you have the feeling that it really comes from the heart. When people really stand behind it and convey their passion for the product and not just present numbers. The heart has to be there.
Stefan Lemcke: For me, the whole thing has to be round. It has to make sense and I have to feel like the founder gave some thought to his product. Presenting is simply part of it and you have to be able to do that. You should also be able to motivate and move people.
What tips do you have for founders who are just starting out in business?
Stefan Lemcke: All information is on the Internet. You just have to know how to get it and make the effort. Going to network meetings, participating in groups (for example) on Facebook, and going to certain forums can help. Don’t take it, give it first. You should just be open and present your idea, then you will get help relatively quickly. It’s important to network.
How do you deal with envious people and haters?
Anne Lemcke: We honestly have very few haters. We’re really on the sunny side for that. Of course we get comments from time to time. But 95 percent of these are positive. One should always focus on the good.
Stefan Lemcke: When something comes up that makes me angry, I often have the impulse to react. But we decided not to do that. Just ignore it, even if it’s difficult.
What’s next for you?
Anne Lemcke: A lot. We have a very exciting year ahead of us. We will publish our advent calendars at the end of August. That’s always something special for me.
Stefan Lemcke: Like every year – what an exciting year (laughs). We live in Mallorca for a year! This is exciting.
Anne Lemcke: There are still advent calendars (laughs).