The new season "Die Höhle der Löwen" starts on August 31st. Nico Rosberg is ready to stick out his claws in the best athletic fashion.
"Die Höhle der Löwen" starts its eighth season on August 31st at VOX (8:15 pm; also via TVNow). Nico Rosberg (35) is new to the investor team. The former Formula 1 racing driver takes his place next to Judith Williams (48), Dagmar Wöhrl (66), Ralf Dümmel (53), Georg Kofler (63), Carsten Maschmeyer (61) and Nils Glagau (44). "I am very happy to be part of 'The Lions Den'", he said on Tuesday (August 18) at a virtual press conference.
"It was really a very nice welcome from everyone," said the 35-year-old. But in addition to all the niceties, it also got down to business quickly. "They all challenged me very quickly. But of course that was also fun." After all, Rosberg became part of the show, not least because of new challenges. The ex-racing driver is "very proud to be there".
"For us investors this is totally serious"
For the 35-year-old, "Die Höhle der Löwen" is more than just a TV program: "It may be a show, but for us investors it's really serious," said the former racing driver. It is always a surprise who comes through the door next with which idea. "Has it got a hand and foot, is it a complete whip or is it perhaps the next billion-dollar company?" Rosberg had to develop the right nose, instinct, over time.
"In my start-up company I have my whole team, everyone can analyze and chew through the numbers. After that, everything is presented nicely and I can make my own decisions. And here I am all alone." He also has to fight against the best investors in all of Germany. "You shouldn't underestimate that."
Nico Rosberg is committed to sustainability
Rosberg's hobbyhorse is mobility-related companies. "I'm a mobility investor – I have 20 different companies in this field in my portfolio. This is my home." However, he also joined "The Lions Den" to broaden his horizons. The topic of sustainability is also important to him. "That's what I'm passionate about and that's my passion." The founder and the idea must have the potential to make a great positive contribution. "That is crucial for me," said Rosberg.
Which companies will be seen in the new season will not be revealed in advance. The New Leo only said this much: "There were so many fascinating founders there; with ideas that you would not find anywhere else – the craziest things."
"It feels like winning in Formula 1"
At "Die Höhle der Löwen" founders are looking for sponsors and business professionals. If you can convince several of yourself and your idea, the battle among investors begins. A new situation for Rosberg that he has to face. Since he says he is a competitor, he "wants to win in the end." He is looking for competition to measure himself against the best. "And there is no better place than 'The Lions' Den'".
In any case, he seems to be able to record success in the new season, he said about the conclusion of a deal: "If I win, it feels like a victory in Formula 1. I would never have thought that before. It gives adrenaline without end . "
That's what the rest of the lions think about the newcomer
How does Rosberg get along as a newcomer to the pride of lions? "Nico has fitted in perfectly. He knows the competition and is looking for a challenge. It's in his DNA," said Judith Williams. Carsten Maschmeyer also only found words of praise for his new colleague: "Nico is not only the fastest in Formula 1, but he is also very responsive to 'Die Höhle der Löwen'." As a result, the pace has increased overall. "For him, it's not just about earning money or increasing value, he really wants to change something. A real enrichment and I'm very happy that Nico is our new Leo colleague."
Georg Kofler agreed with both of them: "Nico is a real asset for us." The harmony between the investors is not only right in front of the camera, Rosberg is "also a great guy behind the cameras," said Ralf Dümmel. "But with that it goes well too."