47 seconds, a studio full of tape and a record pitch: Vick Manuel secures the deal with Dümmel with his tape measure Klemab.
47 seconds. That’s how long it takes for Vick de Froz Jorge Manuel to set the record for the fastest pitch in the show’s history in the new episode of “The Lion’s Den.” Before anyone even sits properly, the entire studio is already covered in glue, even the lion chairs are not spared.
The product is called Klemab and is an adhesive measuring tape – an idea that came about in 2018. The application is as quick to explain as the pitch itself: stick on an adhesive measuring tape, take measurements, mark on the adhesive, cut and remove without leaving any residue. The scale theoretically allows infinite measurements without anything shifting when pulled. The idea itself already existed, but according to the founder, no one has yet managed to implement the standards so that the tape sticks to all surfaces and does not warp while working. For further development and the step into trading, Jorge Manuel offers 50,000 euros for 20 percent of the company shares.
From cooking robots to adhesive tape
The 32-year-old from Leipzig is a product designer, trained in business administration and does a lot of manual work, is a carpenter, do-it-yourselfer and tinkerer. He is someone who knows how annoying it can be when the tape measure constantly slips. Klemab is intended to solve exactly this problem, without much rethinking.
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Jorge Manuel already has experience in founding companies, as he had already built a startup in robotics. “I founded a startup in the last few years and worked in food robotics and built cooking robots. We were one of two Germany-wide startups that did something like that,” he says. The timing, however, was difficult. “Finding a suitable investment with the corona pandemic was hard. The technology in Europe wasn’t that easy either. The mix of these didn’t make the startup work.” However, it was precisely from this experience that the idea for his current product emerged. “I needed tools that let you work quickly.”
Soft launch takes place TikTok hype
The product has been available online in soft launch for a year. Around 1,000 rolls have been sold so far, with a turnover of around 5,000 euros. A full roll of 50 meters costs 7.90 euros, purchasing costs 1.20 euros. He hasn’t given much gas online yet. Frank Thelen wants to know why not: “What’s going on there? I find you extremely likeable and imagine you on TikTok. There should be a few roles there.” However, Jorge Manuel doesn’t see himself in this field: “I can build products well and that’s what I like to do. That’s where I place the greatest demands on myself.”
Thelen is generally impressed: “I love simple products. If you don’t have to explain anything complicated. I think that’s cool.” Nevertheless, he doesn’t see himself as a suitable partner. “You’re a great founder. Strong presence. Very impressive. But what you need is sales in the hardware stores. I see you as a media star on TikTok. But you don’t see it and want to go to the big hardware stores. I’m the wrong lion for that.”
Between hardware store and gut feeling
The founder himself primarily wants contacts, a network and support when stepping into trading. That’s exactly where the problem arises for some people. Judith Williams says: “Vick, you’re super personable. You come here with a brilliant idea. But I’m not a business partner with hardware stores. Not my business.” Anne Lemke is also enthusiastic about the product: “The tape sticks very well. It comes across very well.” Her husband and business partner Stefan Lemke adds: “You’re great, but unfortunately it’s not a real online product. Anne and I are simply not the right ones.”
“Smelling bad guy” gets the deal
Carsten Maschmeyer sums it up with a joke: “In this case, AI would mean: Sticks intelligently.” He goes on to say: “I don’t want to let you out of here without a deal. Ralf, are you interested? I’m not really at home there either.” Ralf Dümmel speaks up and the tone is clear. “Excellent appearance. Personally, you’re sensational and super down-to-earth. You’re a great guy. The product belongs in every household. You’re at the very beginning. I say yes to 50,000 euros and 20 percent and believe I’m the right partner.”
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After filming, it becomes clear that the TV handshake becomes more than just airtime: the 50,000 euros for 20 percent actually flow, and the deal with Dümmel is being implemented. For the Leipzig founder, this not only means tailwind, but above all access to exactly the sales network that he wanted. In the end, this not only leaves a record of 47 seconds, but also the prospect that a sticky studio campaign could turn into a serious hardware store case.
