Another million-dollar deal on "Die Höhle der Löwen Schweiz" (The Lion's Den Switzerland)

After the first show, which immediately brought a record deal, somewhat smaller rolls were baked again in the second episode of the fourth season of "Die Höhle der Löwen Schweiz," which was broadcast on October 11, 2022. The first appearance belonged to the founders of "Dancing Queens": There was dancing - which literally swept one of the lions off their feet. Bettina Gimenez from Pfäffikon (ZH) and her business partner Sophie Witte from Germany skillfully promoted their dance online store. This not only offers dance shoes and fitness clothing, but also aims to help find dance schools and dance partners. In short: a one-stop store for dance enthusiasts. What sounds good at first glance, Bettina Gimenez and Sophie Witte could not immediately back up with figures: The targeted turnover of 450,000 Swiss francs for 2022 seemed too low, especially in the eyes of lion Tobias Reichmuth, especially since behind the capital requirement of 500,000 Swiss francs against a ten percent stake stood a relatively high company valuation. Lioness Bettina Hein conceded that the goals could certainly be set higher here. But she was enthusiastic about the business model and was considering an offer - in combination with e-commerce expertise. She, Lukas Speiser and Roland Brack exchanged meaningful glances: Will one of them get on board? Finally, two offers were on the table: Lukas Speiser offered 500,000 Swiss francs, but wanted a 40 percent stake. Bettina Hein and Roland Brack together also offered 500,000 Swiss francs in exchange for a 30 percent stake in the company. After a brief consideration, Bettina Gimenez and Sophie Witte accepted the offer.

Self-made woman with heart for rodents

But the next young entrepreneur wins the sympathy of investors in no time. After she took in two rabbits and couldn't find any natural food for them, she decided to make it herself. This is how "Nager's Wiesenbackstube" was born. Founder Manuela Schläfli from Lützelflüh (BE) produces everything by hand - under difficult conditions. Because when the lionesses and lions ask her what she needs the money for, she answers, "For a heater." And machines. The investors are impressed by her passion and commitment. But when it came to the bare figures and further plans, the enthusiasm gave way rather quickly, especially in Tobias Reichmuth's case. In particular, he missed online distribution. Roland Brack stepped into the breach here and offered the entrepreneur to include her products in his range. Jürg Schwarzenbach also agreed to support Manuela Schläfli with know-how. But in the end, it was not enough for a deal. However, this business case shows how a self-made woman can achieve success through persistent work and sustainability, even without investors.

Million dollar deal for convertible sofa

The dating platform "Noii" with founders Thomas Kuschel and Laura Matter from Dinhard (ZH) enables speed dating from the couch. The start-up from Dinhard (ZH) has even created a dating profile of one of the lions - he becomes a woman on it. This is more or less proof of how much "fake" there is now on conventional dating platforms. "Noii" wants to do a lot of things differently, though: Short videos instead of photos and curated speed dating sessions every Monday evening via Zoom. That also seems to work. In any case, 3000 singles are said to be registered already, 40 percent also in the paid premium area. For the further development of the enterprise the two young entrepreneurs would like an investment of 150'000 francs against 5 per cent company participation. While Tobias Reichmuth, Jürg Schwarzenbach and Lukas Speiser decline, Anja Graf and Roland Brack make a counteroffer: 200,000 Swiss francs in exchange for a 10 percent stake. Thomas Kuschel and Laura Matter say "yes," and the deal is done.

The lionesses and lions were then enthusiastic about the changeability of the sofas from livom möbel GmbH. They were also amazed at the development of sales: from 12,000 Swiss francs in the first year to eight million in the second. And the margins are also impressive: The sofa shown in the show costs 800 francs to produce, and is sold for 2400 francs. It quickly becomes clear: the lionesses and lions want in. But they are not happy with the conditions that the Thurgau-based founding couple Sandra and Tamara Haag have in mind: 600,000 francs in exchange for a 3 percent stake. Again, a very high valuation, which then leads to a counter-offer: 1 million against 10 percent company shares. Tamara and Sandro Haag initially tried to increase the price to 1.5 million, but then settled for one million, because Lukas Speiser clearly explained that this was the only realistic company valuation at the time. Thus, the deal of the evening, again a million-dollar deal, was perfect.

Good ideas, but no more deals

Because no deal was struck with the other startups. The lions were quite enthusiastic about the admittedly cute baby monitor "Sandy" from the company "Dokoki". However, they had reservations about the (too) many functionalities of the device, including the possible monitoring of babies' vital functions. They were shocked to learn how many shares founder Marc Zinner still held in his company: Namely, just nine percent. So it quickly became clear that these could not be ideal conditions for a deal. It should be noted, however, that Jürg Schwarzenbach already holds a stake in Dokoki himself, and therefore took a stand in the evaluation of the company.

The lionesses and lions also didn't want to get in on "Green Leaf. This refreshing drink made from apple juice, elderflower and mint was tasty and in line with current food trends: local ingredients and no artificial additives. However, the growth plans of the young Bernese Marco Henri, Aline Bot and Ismael Seck still seemed a little underdeveloped to the investors. And the concept with decentralized suppliers also seemed too risky to them. Instead of a deal, the founders took many good tips and goodwill with them from the show. Maybe an investment will work out when the brand promise and the brand core are more sharply contoured.

Conclusion of the show: More and more business ideas are now based on the idea of sustainability. However, this does not always seem to go well with the growth targets sought by many investors and the dictates of classic marketing.

More information on upcoming shows: https://www.oneplus.ch/detail/1000604