The new episode of "Die Höhle der Löwen" (VOX, Tuesday from 8:15 p.m. or at TVNow) has promised a tailored start, at least on paper. The first founder of the evening was well prepared for predator feeding. Peter, born in Bolivia, was spoiled by his South American grandma with yuca fries. Yuca, or cassava, is a root that is a staple for many people in Latin America. "Yuca conjures up the best fries in the world," enthused the founder. For his company "Yuca Loca" he needed 90,000 euros from the lions for 20 percent.
The investors were allowed to try the gluten-free french fries alternative. Ralf Dümmel (53) came out as an expert: "I love french fries, nobody has eaten as many french fries as I do, these are extremely crispy, the taste is good." Georg Kofler (62) did not taste much of a difference to normal fries, while Carsten Maschmeyer (60) reminded the Yuca product of fries made from sweet potatoes. In the end, Dümmel summed up: "You have a product that is OK, but not so extreme that it will be very interesting, so I'm out." The other lions didn't bite the tuber from South America either, Peter went home without a deal.
Judith Williams: "It's like sand by the sea"
The next founders Barbara and Christan presented the lion "CBLash", magnetic eyelashes with a two-component solution: micro magnets on the lash line and magnets in the eyeliner as the opposite pole. The founders have so far lacked logistics and know-how in marketing and sales. Wig maker Barbara and inventor Christian offered 200,000 euros for 20 percent of their company shares. Judith Williams (48) was immediately skeptical: "Eyelashes are like sand by the sea, so it has to be something special."
And lo and behold: When founder Barbara distributed the eyelashes to everyone, the interest in beauty expert Williams was aroused. "The lash line is very natural," she said. Maschmeyer wanted to know what was the difference to the products that are already available in the drugstore. "It's easy to use, and some people are sensitive to glue," the founders explained.
Sounded plausible, Maschmeyer got out anyway. "I will not invest in cosmetics with eyelashes, the rating is too high for me, it does not start to jingle with me." Dagmar Wöhrl (65) had nothing to do with the eyelashes, Dümmel also withdrew. Only Williams stayed on the ball: "Do you have a patent for magnetic eyeliner ?!" When this question was answered in the affirmative, Williams offered 200,000 euros, but for 50 percent. And what did the founders do? They fell into cheers. "No one has ever shouted so loudly", Maschmeyer amused himself.
Nils Glagau: "I would rather have a professional then"
Gisbert and Bendix run the pay TV channel "Sport Digital" together, since 2010 they have been working on their start-up "Commentaro", with which they give sports fans a voice. In the app, users can find clips of sporting events with original atmos, which they can comment on themselves. The post can then be disseminated and shared with friends via the "Commentaro" platform. They needed 250,000 euros from the lions for 25 percent of the show.
Nils Glagau (44) was allowed to try his hand as a sports commentator, but immediately had doubts. "I don't think that will be accepted in the long term, I would rather want a professional. I don't believe in the idea, I'm out." In the end, all the lions shared this gloomy forecast, so Gisbert and Bendix went home without a deal.
Founder rejects offer
Roofing master Udo has had a serious fall in the ladder and knows that, according to statistics, around 180,000 of these accidents happen every year. "LeiKoSi" should remedy the situation. In his invention, it is a ladder head fuse that can be hung, for example, in a gutter to gain stability. He needed 250,000 euros on the show for ten percent of his company shares.
A case for Dümmel, the king of the department store and hardware store? "I don't know whether I should do it or not, because on the one hand the price is too high and the company valuation bothers me." Kofler had a similar view: "I have the same concerns as Ralf. But I don't want to let you out of there. However, I need 30 percent for 250,000 euros." Too hungry lion for master roofer Udo: "The difference with the percentages is too big. 30 percent, I can not do that." Kofler therefore did not get into the ladder business and instead bought himself a basket.
Dümmel says "yes"
The next founder showed his green thumb. "Lazy Leaf" is the name of engineer Georg's invention and is a self-pouring, electronic flower pot. And this is how it works: You set the necessary daily watering quantity on the integrated water tank and the water is poured automatically. When the tank is empty, "Lazy Leaf" signals with a signal and reminds you to refill water. Georg needed 150,000 euros for 20 percent of the company's shares. "I'm looking for a lion with whom I can write a success story." So far he has only sold "Lazy Leaf" through Amazon.
Ralf Dümmel did not hesitate for long: "The market for planters is huge. I would like to do that. You get 150,000 for 20 percent." Founder Georg didn't hesitate for a moment and struck: "Ralf Dümmel was my dream lion."
"The world needs this …"
It went on musically. Aleksey, violinist and conductor, founded "Music Traveler", a platform that connects musicians with a space for making music. "It is the only platform on which you can easily find the perfect space for being creative. Whether for music lessons, rehearsals or recordings. We have 500 music locations on our platform. Starting from the private living room to the Vienna concert hall and the Kings Theater in New York, "said Dominik.
Former pianist Julia Rhee is one of the founders. The team also has prominent support from Hollywood star composer and Oscar winner Hans Zimmer, musician Billy Joel and actor John Malkovich. The trio requested 500,000 euros for ten percent of the company's shares. So far they have around 4,000 users and 30,000 euros in sales.
The concept was not immediately clear to the lions. "How does that work?", Ralf Dümmel wanted to know. "An artist comes to Cologne, looks for a location to rehearse, finds it through" Music Traveler ", the lion was informed. Dümmel was not convinced, just as the rest of the lions. Despite the prominent supporters," Music Traveler "went away empty-handed. But no reason for the trio of founders to blow tribulation: "The world needs it, so we keep going."