Carsten Maschmeyer
He wants Christian Lindner on “The Lion’s Den”
Carsten Maschmeyer has not even thought about quitting in “The Lion’s Den”.
© Photo: RTL / Bernd-Michael Maurer
“DHDL” investor Carsten Maschmeyer reveals in an interview that he would like to include Christian Lindner in the ranks of the lions.
The season 11 finale of “The Lion’s Den” (Vox and at RTL+) has just rolled across the TV screen. In an interview with the news agency spot on news, investor Carsten Maschmeyer (63) now takes stock: Which deals made him particularly happy, which founders annoyed him, what does he think of the new lioness and who would he like to include in the pack?
What were your personal highlights of the current season?
Carsten Maschmeyer: The deal with Freibeik! The founder Iris is full of power and dynamism, just like her product: a flexible saddle joint for bicycles. She worked on this invention for six and a half years. She even sold her condo for her startup dream and put all the money into development. Now she runs the company together with her daughter Carmen. The demand is so high that the product was temporarily sold out immediately after the broadcast. These stories are what The Lion’s Den is all about.
Which founders or pitches from Season 11 do you remember the most and why?
Maschmeyer: Michelle and Philip from SendMePack really impressed me! They found a way to make more out of reusables and revolutionize an entire industry. The idea behind it is ingenious: cardboard boxes do not end up in the waste paper after a single use, but are reprocessed and put into circulation. Precycling saves CO2, water and fresh fibers. A startup as written in books!
Are there moments that you think back less fondly?
Maschmeyer: If founders don’t have their numbers under control, that’s an absolute no-go! Or when a startup just wants ad time and not a real deal. Unfortunately also in this season!
Which lions/lionesses are your toughest competitors?
Maschmeyer: That often depends on the product. Ralf (Dümmel), for example, has a strong network in retail. With her many years of experience, Judith (Williams) knows how to assert herself, especially in teleshopping. And once she wants a deal, she’s persistent. We lions like to sharpen our claws. But I don’t shy away from competing with the other lions. And the results are impressive, because the founders often choose me when several lions submit an offer.
How did you experience guest lioness Sarna Röser?
Maschmeyer: Great! She should come back! Sarna brings everything a lioness needs on this show: investor experience, positive attitude and entrepreneurial expertise. She knows exactly what she wants. I’m all the happier that we then made joint deals.
Which investor would you like to have in the lion pack?
Maschmeyer: I could very well imagine Christian Lindner as a lion. He is the political flagship for the German startup scene and would certainly be an asset to our pack. But let yourself be surprised, maybe new lions will be added!
They pulled out their checkbook for the first time this season. Do you still keep it with you for a possible second time?
Maschmeyer: I carried the checkbook in my jacket pocket for a long time so that I could make the investment immediately if there was an exciting pitch. NetzBeweis was the right opportunity. Do I do that again? Wait and see, the new fall episodes have only just finished filming.
Last year, Georg Koflers Social Chain AG took over Ralf Dümmel’s DS group. The opponents have become partners. What impact will this have on the show?
Maschmeyer: Before they were competitors, now Georg Ralfs is the boss and they work in the same company. This also means that from now on they have to take turns who sits on the lion’s chair.
They have been part of “The Lion’s Den” since 2016. How many times have you thought about quitting?
Maschmeyer: Not at all! I’m happy to stay with the show as long as I can deliver added value for the viewers and we continue to see exciting ideas! And yes, the “cave” is really a great joy because I discover startups that I would not have gotten to know otherwise. And it conveys in an entertaining way what entrepreneurship means and strengthens the entrepreneurial spirit in Germany. Neither schools nor politicians can do that. That’s why “The Lion’s Den” has a much greater, more important value than pure entertainment.