The Lion’s Den: This pitch gets emotional


The handy “UV-Bodyguard” gadget convinces Carsten Maschmeyer in particular. He was diagnosed with white skin cancer in 2020.

Also in episode seven of the ninth season of “Die Höhle der Löwen” (May 3rd, 8:15 pm, VOX) several founders (teams) try again to convince prominent investors of their products. This time Judith Williams (49), Dagmar Wöhrl (66), Carsten Maschmeyer (61), Ralf Dümmel (54), Nico Rosberg (35), Georg Kofler (64) and Nils Glagau (45) decide whether they want their money Invest in various food start-ups and a wallpapering innovation. A new technology gadget also ensures that one of the lions reveals a private shock experience.

“Growing Calendar” earns a lot of praise, but remains without a deal

At the beginning the two PhD economists Tobias (28) and Orlando (32) together with electrical engineer Manuela (28) present their start-up “Primoza”, which was founded in 2018. With their “growing calendar” they have already made 80,000 customers “happy” in the past two years and achieved two million euros in sales – which makes the lion circle prick up their ears. However, they currently sell their product primarily as a gift item in markets rather than retail.

At first glance, it looks like a conventional wall calendar. However, each calendar sheet contains seeds that can be planted after being torn off and make the heart of every “home gardening” fan beat faster. The sustainably produced “growing calendar” is already available in three versions as well as with flower and vegetable seeds. In addition, the three young entrepreneurs offer “growing greeting cards”. Despite “great recognition”, none of the investors ultimately want to invest 300,000 euros for 7.5 percent of the company.

Power woman N’Deye Fall-Kuete impressed and grabbed wish lion Dagmar Wöhrl

With “Ndeyefoods” the mother of two N’Deye Fall-Kuete (37), who “lives” for her product, appears alone in front of the lions. The company name comes from Mauritania and Senegal, the first syllable means “mother”. After completing her advanced training as a business economist, the 37-year-old, who owes her passion for cooking to her African grandmother, first wanted to found an African restaurant. But then she came up with the brilliant idea of ​​launching West African gourmet sauces on the market, which can be used both independently as a dip and as a basis for other dishes.

“Ndeyefoods” now offers eight different variations, three of which are for fans of spicier dishes. After the lions convince themselves of the taste of the sauces and the banana chips that go with them, everyone except Georg Kofler is enthusiastic. Still, the majority of investors are pulling out directly for various reasons. One of Fall-Kuete’s wish-lions, Dagmar Wöhrl, was won over in the end – because she thinks the 37-year-old power woman is “just so great”. However, she is investing the hoped-for 130,000 euros for 30 percent instead of 25 percent of the company’s shares.

Protection against UV rays: Carsten Maschmeyer wants to contribute to “prevention and education” with an investment

With a handy gadget called “UV-Bodyguard”, Annette Barth (40) and Julian Meyer-Arnek (47) want to enable the measurement of UV radiation for everyone – and thus on the one hand sunburn and in the worst case skin cancer, on the other hand also vitamin D -Prevent shortages. After the atmospheric researcher worked on his project in his home workshop for four years, he and the business psychologist now want to bring their product to market and to customers with the help of a prominent investor.

The 69-euro device from “ajuma” continuously measures the amount of incident solar radiation, taking into account the respective skin type and applied sun protection factor, and sends the results to an app for the smartphone. The user can access all kinds of data in it, and a warning signal sounds shortly before a sunburn. The male lions start whispering immediately after the presentation, while beauty expert Judith Williams rejects the founders straight away.

However, Carsten Maschmeyer in particular shows great interest. In his statement, he then reveals a personal shock: one of his sons was already suffering from black skin cancer when he was only 16 years old. He himself was also diagnosed with white skin cancer in 2020. The 61-year-old would like to contribute to “prevention and education” with an investment – and is supporting the founders together with Nils Glagau with 110,000 euros for 25 percent of the shares.

Alcohol-free gin substitute “Laori” is not convincing

The founders of “Laori”, Christian Zimmermann (30) and Stella Strüfling (34), met at a food conference and have been working on their start-up idea since 2017. The studied food technician and the business administration graduate hope that their “incredibly delicious” product will soon be sold throughout Europe; they are currently already producing it in their own production facility in Brandenburg. What is “Laori”? A kind of gin – but completely alcohol-free. So the hangover stays away the next morning.

Nils Glagau volunteers immediately for the tasting, but he tastes the alcohol-free gin and tonic variant from the samples immediately and purposefully. The other lions are not really enthusiastic either. The vegan, sugar-free, low-calorie product that works without artificial flavorings is simply “inedible” on its own, says Georg Kofler. Dagmar Wöhrl agrees. The price of 24.90 euros also frightens investors due to the fact that the product does not contain alcohol. That’s why no lion wants to spend 175,000 euros on 15 percent of the company’s shares.

Three lions vie for the likeable craftsman and his wallpapering brush “SmartQ”

The final pitch is made by the self-employed craftsman Michael Heide (51), who has already invested the money for a home in his product. His “overdue” – and already patented – invention, the ergonomic, body-friendly wallpapering brush “smartQ”, as well as his down-to-earth and personable demeanor immediately convince all investors. Offers come from Dagmar Wöhrl, Ralf Dümmel and the self-proclaimed “Mr. Regal” Nils Glagau. The visibly overwhelmed 51-year-old founder decides in the end for the 40,000 euros from Dümmel – in return for 15 percent of the “smartQ” company shares.

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