#DHDL
The lions roar again! This Monday Vox is going to “The Lions’ Den” again. In the current episode, RE-SHIRT, Peak Protect, Jimmy, Heartbeat Revivel, purora and Butjer – Das Grillbrett are pitching.
Now in its 19th season, the successful VOX start-up show “The Lions’ Den” (DHDL) is once again all about spectacular business ideas, extraordinary pitches and competitive deals. The lion jury this spring season includes the Regal Lion Ralf Dümmelthe venture capital lioness Janna Entsthalerthe Sales Lion Carsten Maschmeyerthe beauty lioness Judith Williamsthe family lioness Dagmar Wöhrl and the startup lion Frank Thelen.
The DHDL startups of the week
RE-SHIRT from Munich
Anna Hadzelek (36) and Emmy Schumacher (36) enter the stage with an idea that should make both the textile world and the environment sit up and take notice: a T-shirt that is only visible for a one-time occasion and then simply disappears. “A T-shirt print that simply disappears after washing,” explain the two founders of RE-SHIRT. Their innovation: a globally unique textile printing ink based on natural raw materials that can be washed out without leaving any residue – thus turning disposable T-shirts into real circular products. The idea is simple but revolutionary: printed shirts for trade fairs, events, graduation ceremonies or bachelor parties can continue to be used in everyday life after being worn once. In this way, the founders not only save resources, but also rely on a sustainable business model in the B2B sector. “It is a very important day for us because we would gain a bit of planning security with someone on board who not only invests but also supports us in the long term,” emphasize Anna and Emmy. And the lions? They are curious and ask critical questions about market potential, sales and sales, but will they also invest 350,000 euros for 15 percent of the company shares?
Battle pitch
This season there is also the battle pitch: two founders (teams) compete against each other in a one-minute short pitch – but only one of them gets the chance to present its product in full to the lions. Who can fight for a deal and who has to leave “The Lion’s Den” immediately?
Peak Protect from A-Leobendorf
Christopher Czellary (17)
Offer: 75,000 euros for 25 percent of the company shares
Jimmy from Königsmoos
Philipp Hammerer (16)
Offer: 80,000 euros for 20 percent of the company shares
Breaking the rules in the lion’s den! In the founder battle, teenagers Philipp Hammerer (16) with the training portal Jimmy and Christopher Czellary (17) with Peak Protect, an extendable cell phone protector, compete against each other. The rules are actually clear: 60 second pitch, one stays and one leaves – with no chance of a deal. But this time everything is different. The lions are at odds and there is a twist that no one expected.
Heartbeat Revival from Berlin
“Who is willing to save lives with me?” This founder doesn’t represent your average startup: “This is really a mission. I want everyone to help!” Paramedic and first aid instructor Nicole Oudes (38) presents Heartbeat Revivel, a portable, keychain-sized sound device that gives clear, spoken step-by-step instructions for resuscitation in an emergency – can be used anytime, anywhere. The background is alarming: around 70,000 people in Germany suffer cardiac arrest every year. However, laypeople only begin resuscitation measures in around 40 percent of cases. “That means 42,000 people die every year with no chance of being revived,” explains Nicole. Every minute without help reduces your chance of survival by ten percent. The device guides first aiders through the life-saving measures in a structured manner – from checking breathing to calling emergency services to giving chest compressions in the right rhythm. An integrated metronome sets the pace, and there is also a baby and children’s mode. The founder has so far produced things herself – from 3D printing the housing to programming the circuit board. In order to professionally expand production, sales and reach, she is offering the lions 20 percent of her company for 160,000 euros. Their vision: comprehensive availability – “everywhere”, from retail to private households.
purora from A-Raab
With purora, a real family project enters the stage: founder Heinz Pöttinger (38) drives the vision forward together with Beatrice Ilie (28) – supported by his entire family. Father Heinz senior, mother Eva and the brothers Moritz, Nikolaus and Georg not only support the project morally, but are also actively involved in it. A family company with a clear mission – and a remarkable financial background: 7 million euros have already flowed into development from the family holding company. “Fast good instead of fast food” – that’s Heinz’s vision. Growing up on an organic farm, characterized by fresh foods such as dandelions, nettles and berries, he wants to make healthy eating suitable for everyday life. His approach: a well-thought-out nutritional concept made up of technology and organic meals. The centerpiece is the specially developed “ThermoTwist”, a mixer that mixes cold or gently heats food to 42 or 52 degrees. Purora also offers ready-made organic meals in a glass: smoothies, porridges, protein shakes or soups – free of added sugar and artificial ingredients. The range already includes around 30 different meals. In addition to the end customer business, the startup focuses on B2B customers such as offices, hotels or fitness studios as well as cookbooks and nutritional cures. In addition to an investment of 300,000 euros for ten percent of the company shares, purora is primarily hoping for strategic support: the lions’ sales expertise and network should help with international brand building and expanding sales.
Butjer – The grill board from Schweiburg
Today we’re grilling in the cave – with celebrity support: Boxer legend Axel Schulz is personally at the grill and brings not only sausages, but also lots of energy. Together with the founders Enrico Krüger (50), Udo Mammone (38) and Tim Gollenstede (40), he presents BUTJER – THE GRILL BOARD, a multifunctional 6-in-1 tool that is intended to make turning, serving and cleaning on the grill much easier. The idea arose from a real breakdown situation: At a barbecue event, the most important tool was suddenly missing – the barbecue tongs. Without further ado, we improvised with a float from the neighboring construction site. A temporary solution ultimately developed into a well thought-out product made of solid wood with an integrated stainless steel blade. The grill board combines heat protection, turner, sausage scoop, steak hook, rust cleaner and beer opener in one tool – practical, robust and developed with a wink. Axel Schulz met the three founders at a barbecue championship. Enthusiastic about the product and team spirit, he now supports BUTJER as an advertising face. “The guys are sensational – and the board really saved my butt on the grill,” says the ex-boxing professional, who now uses the tool regularly himself. For the next step in growth, the founders are looking for 100,000 euros for 15 percent shares in their yet-to-be-founded GmbH. With so much passion for grilling, will the lions burn or will someone be knocked out in the end?
Tip: Everything about the Vox founder show can be found in our big one DHDL section.
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