Start of the anniversary season: “The Lion’s Den”: Founder Löwen lets you feel period pain

For a decade, inventors and founders have been fighting for the deal of a lifetime on VOX. Just in time for the anniversary season of “The Lion’s Den” (Mondays, 8:15 p.m., on VOX or RTL+), Judith Williams (52) is returning to the team of investors. And there is a remarkable pitch for the lion pack. The deal is for a female founder who sticks electrical stimulation electrodes on the stomachs of the male investors. The lions are also impressed by a deal that was done at such a rapid pace, while a reporter legend is visibly moved.

Lions fight for period pain pad

Founder Carina Heidi Hader (35) is studying aerospace engineering in Munich. The Munich native is a mixture of “tech and marketing talent,” says original lioness Judith Williams. Carina calls her foldable heart, including a patented heat system, “nayca.” With it, she wants to “make life easier for millions of women” by relieving them of excruciating period pain. But first, the male lions should feel what period pain feels like. Carina Carsten Maschmeyer (65) and Tillman Schulz (34) quickly put on period cramp simulators – and hit a nerve. Judith Williams, who was present, and Carsten Maschmeyer and Janna Ensthaler (41) on the other side quickly vie for the deal. “Everything you need is here!” Judith Williams confidently makes her offer of 250,000 euros for twenty percent of the company shares. Carsten Maschmeyer counters to Carina: “You can see that there is an offer that is twice as strong.” Williams, slightly offended, felt this was a “kick in the teeth”. After consulting with her father and business partner Bruno, Carina gives the contract to the Maschmeyer-Ennsthaler duo – and thus her dream lions.

The perfect lion for pots and pans

Love at first sight brought Annette (52) and Tomasz Makowski (50) together. And they want to achieve the same lightning love effect for their product in the “Lion’s Den”. In a record-breaking 60-second presentation, the couple introduce their pot lid holder “topfi”. It is simply attached to the edge of the pot or pan and serves as a shelf for pot lids while cooking. There have already been inquiries for a million “Topfis”, i.e. the inventor couple. The founders who found them are asking for 100,000 euros for 20 percent of their company. Will there be a record deal? Ralf Dümmel (57) turns the tables and interviews the two in record time. Then it is clear to him: “I am the perfect lion when it comes to pots and pans. I’ll pay you the 100,000 euros and want 25 percent. All you have to do is say ‘yes’.” And indeed: just a few minutes after entering the cave, the deal with Ralf is done and “topfi” has found his perfect match.

“Ratzfatz” in business with lion duo

Fresh and healthy food for children – and on the table in no time. That was the challenge for Luisa Schubert (36), Sarina Morawiak (35) and Maraike Höhne (34) from Berlin. The three founders and mothers want to bring more relaxation into German family life with their organic children’s ready meals. Their offer: 100,000 euros for ten percent of the company shares in their “ratzfatz” brand. Like their little customers, the lionesses and lions love the “ratzfatz” range. But will the “ratzfatz” deal go through? Mother of three Janna Ennsthaler doesn’t want to go in alone. Carsten Maschmeyer strikes – and offers 100,000 euros for twenty percent in tandem with Janna. After a conspiratorial discussion, the duo of Nils Glagau (48) and Tillman Schulz counter with the same offer. The founders’ dream lions, Janna and Tillman, have now split into two teams – what now? They give the male duo the contract and will work with Nils and Tillman in the future on the right recipe for the market success of “ratzfatz”.

Deal with VUP done?

The classic tie with a suit is quickly becoming obsolete in business life. It is to be replaced by VUP, the unisex styling accessory invented by style consultant Evelin Stefano (52) from Lake Zurich. VUP stands for “Very Unique People”. And Evelin presents her invention to the lions in a unique and passionate way. Her internationally protected VUP can be used as a tie replacement, foulard, pocket square, belt replacement, hair band or as a scarf. Can Evelin start the tie revolution with the lions? Which lion is prepared to support Evelin with 150,000 euros for 12 percent of their company shares? The lionesses and lions are enthusiastic about Evelin’s refreshing manner, but are not completely convinced by the product and its revolutionary power. Judith Williams, bundle of energy of the lions’ group, also drops out at the end. With applause from the lions, but without a deal, Evelin has to start the journey home to Switzerland.

First “addicted to pills”, then “addicted to deals”

This appearance moved everyone to tears. With his start-up “Zockerhelden”, lawyer Marc Ellerbrock (54) from Markdorf will give gambling addicts a second chance. He wants to help victims to reclaim gambling losses from questionable online providers up to ten years retroactively – and without any risk of costs. He is supported in this by football commentator legend Werner Hansch (85). Hansch, once at home in every football stadium and well-paid, was himself one of the approximately 4.6 million gambling addicts in Germany. With tears in his voice, he describes how he lost everything after his retirement: 600,000 euros and a house, but also friends and the love of his life. “After my retirement, I was not prepared to face the question of meaning. That’s how I slipped into gambling addiction.” The starting point of “Zockerhelden”: Many online sports bets did not have a German license until 2020, and online casino and poker bets until 2022. Many offers were illegal in Germany. The lions are visibly moved. Judith Williams explains: “I’ve been sitting here since the first season, but for me that was the most moving moment.” Carsten Maschmeyer takes up his own past in his offer to the two: “I was addicted to pills, now I’m addicted to deals.” He offers 125,000 euros for 15 percent of “Zockerhelden”. And with Dagmar Wöhrl (70) he can win over his fellow lioness. Werner Hansch on his deal: “This is now the meaning that I missed back then.”

By (jök/ki/spot)