Although at times all investors had already bailed out, one founder in the “Den of the Lions” stuck to his tactics.
Sustainable ideas for a better world: “Die Höhle der Löwen” (April 5th, 8:15 pm, VOX) is thinking big again. Among other things, it is about bringing more bees to the colony, using tasty spoons instead of plastic and making life a lot easier for people with severe disabilities.
Beekeeping for everyone: “EasyBeeBox”
Jan-Angelus Meyer (21) wants to bring his love for bees to the people. Together with his fellow student Nick Peters (21) he invented the “EasyBeeBox” – a beekeeping for beginners with which bee colonies of up to 35,000 insects can be “kept” in the garden, even without a protective suit. The hobby beekeeper, who is convinced that so few people are beekeepers, wants 15,000 euros because it was time-consuming and complicated up to now.
The box is used to get to the honey, but not to come into contact with the bees. However, the fact that these still fly through the garden makes some “lions” shy away. “Personally, I’m allergic to bites. I like to listen to that, but 35,000 of them in the vicinity is not a good feeling at first …”, says Ralf Dümmel (54). Nils Glagau (45) invests for this, but for 25 percent. Ten percent more than planned, but the founders accept the deal: “We would be delighted to work with you to save the bees!”
Bras with storage space: “Pocketsy”
Judith Williams (49) takes a critical approach to the next project: “I know everything there is in underwear and support underwear out there. That must be really a novelty now, otherwise I’m not to be enthusiastic,” she says in view of the exhibited Bras. Meanwhile, the founders Dilara Cakirhan (26) and Paula Essam (25) explain behind the scenes that they are repeatedly asked why no one had come up with their idea before them. They finally summarize these in front of the “lions”: “We make sure that women can always have everything with them – even without a handbag.” Everything can be stored in three hidden pockets in the bra.
The capital requirement is 100,000 euros, 15 percent of the company shares are offered. But although the women are “fire”, as all “lions” confirm, there is no deal. Especially since one of the two “Pocketsy” founders also wants to concentrate on her acting career. And because of Williams’ problem mentioned at the beginning: She is sure that such products already exist. “I think that the investors have not recognized the potential of our product”, the two women are disappointed after the pitch.
The optimized spirit level: “Flüwa”
Civil engineer, master bricklayer and gallery owner Karlheinz Voll (67) steps with the “Flüwa” in front of the “Löwen”, a spirit level with a wing, which also consists of a small spirit level. It can be used when building steps or walls, as well as adding cupboards or picture frames on two levels at the same time. 60,000 euros for 20 percent company shares. Nico Rosberg (35) is out, but would like to buy a “Flüwa” from Voll: “For my wife, she is more happy than a ring.” Dümmel, on the other hand, is enthusiastic and comes into business with Voll for 30 percent of the company.
Spoon with taste: “Kulero”
Juliane Schöning (25) and Hermant Chawla (26) want to tackle the global problem of plastic waste with spoons made from baked dough. 200,000 euros for ten percent of the company. The Indian Chawla came to Germany three years ago and would like to start the project with a cousin in India and one in Australia around the world. The “Kulero” (Esperanto for spoon) is smoother and more pleasant than wood in the mouth, it is also edible and comes in different flavors, both sweet and salty. An exciting and good product, as all the “lions” agree. But Dümmel and Dr. Georg Kofler (63) fear competition in the market.
Dagmar Wöhrl (66), Glagau and Rosberg are already consulting in the background. 33 percent demand the three “lions” from the founders. Wöhrl: “You have the opportunity to get a unique constellation, the Nils, the Nico and me, that has never happened before.” But the founders only want to give up 14 percent. Rosberg is out at this point. The remaining two “lions” stay tuned: 20 percent company shares. The founders are withdrawing once more. Your counter-proposal: 15 percent. Glagau is also withdrawing its offer.
Only Wöhrl is still interested. It offers 200,000 euros for 14 percent. But no, the offer was apparently only valid for three “lions”. The deal bursts – until Wöhrl finally decides to accept the harsh conditions of the founders and thus to accept the original offer. “They showed us a lot,” the impressed Kofler sums up the performance afterwards.
Wheelchair control with a nod of the head: “Munevo Drive”
Konstantin Madaus (30) and Claudiu Leverenz (30) have developed the world’s first wheelchair control system that is steered via smart glasses. The user, who is restricted by multiple sclerosis or paraplegia, does not have to move their hands, but can control the electronic wheelchair by nodding and tilting the head. “You see us speechless,” says Wöhrl, who was impressed by the technology presented.
The complete system costs around 11,000 euros and should be paid for by the health insurance companies – but for this you have to familiarize yourself with the various health systems in the world. So far, the company has financed itself through prize money and funding, now it is looking for new donors. More precisely: 800,000 euros for ten percent company shares.
“You are a goose bumps start-up,” says Williams. “Of course you want to get on board immediately because you can help people, but …” whispers Wöhrl meanwhile. The two founders receive a lot of praise, admiration and recognition – but nobody wants to invest. The valuation is too high, the medical device market is too difficult or strange. Carsten Maschmeyer (61, “The Millionaire Formula”) wants to help in another way and offers the founders a meeting in Munich: “What they have developed is sensational. You just did yourself a disservice with the eight million valuation.”