The Venticorss nose spreader caused a lot of discussion at DHDL – in the end the deal went to Dümmel. We checked to see what came of it.
The founders Ignasi Selga, Carolin Abraham and Heidi Depner come to the “Lion’s Den” and present a product for a very common problem: restricted nasal breathing. Your solution is a small nasal dilator made of medical silicone that is inserted into the nostrils and is intended to gently widen them: Venticross. The goal should be better breathing overall through less mouth breathing – and better sleep. The founders are offering 15 percent of their company shares for 50,000 euros.
Test effect ensures reaction
The lions try out the nose spreader themselves. Carsten Maschmeyer notes: “I have the feeling that I breathe better.”
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The selling price is 19.99 euros, the production costs are around 2.36 euros per piece (for 500 units). According to the founders, they have sold more than 600 pieces in the past few months.
Lions get out – doubts about the setup
Maschmeyer decided against investing after asking whether the founders were already doing the project full-time or planned to do so in the future. When they seem unsure, he draws the conclusion: “I’ve had bad experiences with founders who don’t do this full-time, and that’s why I’m out.” Frank Thelen joins in immediately: “I’m with Carsten. I’m out.” Judith Williams also rejects: “I find the product really unpleasant and not good. I’m out.”
Two offers: competition among the lions
Dagmar Wöhrl, on the other hand, sees the product positively: “I can imagine it very well. These are issues that burden us as a society. I would like to do that with you. I also think 50,000 euros for 15 percent is a fair offer.” Shortly afterwards, Ralf Dümmel follows suit and also makes an offer of the same amount and valuation. “I immediately had the wow effect and would like to do that with you. I’m also offering you 50,000 euros for 15 percent,” he says. Both lions want to win over the founder and the product.
Decision for Dümmel
In the end, the founders accept Dümmel’s offer. When asked by Gründerszene, a spokesman confirmed that the deal came about after the broadcast.
Online shop already active
Venticross products are already available online. The nasal dilator costs 19.99 euros in the shop. There are also larger packs and bundle offers that are cheaper per piece depending on the quantity.