BackDani provides tailwind: Kappacher and his staff convince Dümmel to sign a deal for €80,000 for 20%.
Who would have thought that an inconspicuous training staff would get more action in “The Lion’s Den” than some startup gadgets? Daniel Kappacher (51) from A-Völs, physiotherapist, osteopath and spine specialist with his own center near Innsbruck, has developed a device that is intended to activate the deep muscles along the spine. Its goal is to prevent back pain and strengthen the spine. According to the founder, it is a challenge that affects around 80% of the population in Germany. The founder is offering 80,000 euros for his product for ten percent of the company shares.
One staff, many muscles
BackDani looks like an inconspicuous gymnastics stick: elastic handles and a special middle section ensure that controlled rotational movements specifically target the lumbar, cervical and pectoral muscle columns. “The small muscles stabilize vertebra by vertebra. If they don’t work properly, the spine sounds the alarm,” explains Kappacher. The legs and head should remain still, so no wild yoga moves, otherwise the stick just won’t cooperate like a joker. After three to four days of training you should feel more stability and mobility.
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Kappacher is supported by his three daughters Nina, Franca and Kira, who demonstrate how to use the product. The lions are enthusiastic about the presentation and don’t let a few jokes stop them: Carsten Maschmeyer asks with a wink whether the three daughters are so beautiful because they constantly use the product. Judith Williams adds: “First of all, there are three such graces. All three of you have a beautiful charisma. So you are a rich man.” Anne Lemcke notes: “And you already have your social media team with you.” Kappacher nods: “Yes, the three of them support me in everything we do. We assemble the rods ourselves, Franka designed the logo.”
First sales and small successes
The product was developed six months ago and the individual parts went into production six weeks ago. Kappacher distributes BackDani to patients in his practice for 35 euros; for other interested parties the price is 39.90 euros. The production costs are around 3.50 euros per rod. Around 400 pieces were sold in the last six weeks, generating a total turnover of 10,000-12,000 euros.
The lions try out the device themselves, and the reactions are clear: Williams says: “Funnily enough, as I sit here, I don’t want to give the product away anymore. You kind of want to keep it.”
Deal or not?
The lions joke until Ralf Dümmel finally speaks up: “May I cheekily ask if anyone from the lions would like to make an offer? Because I think I’m the right person for it and I don’t want to be rude and that’s why I ask first if anyone would like to go into battle with me, otherwise I would rush ahead.” Stefan Lemcke grins: “We weren’t even allowed to ask a question, but good Ralf. I think the product is yours too.”
BackDani stick and Dümmel – matches the color and content
Dümmel makes his offer: 80,000 euros for 20 percent. “Even if you have a mega production team, that won’t be enough with these volumes. I believe that I’m the right person.” He also says: “The company valuation for where you are today is too high because you need a lot of support. I’ll make you an offer: 80,000 euros for 20%.” Kappacher accepts.
A spokesman for Dümmel reports to Gründerszene that the deal will actually come about after the show. For Kappacher and his daughters, that means more reach, more help, and perhaps a little less fumbling in the back for Germany.
