Fermented drinks, smart running shoes and ergonomic stands: the highlights of episode 6/5 of "Die Höhle der Löwen Schweiz"

Perfectly designed, but too expensive?

The show kicks off with Julien Gallina from Biel (BE), who presents an ergonomic laptop stand with his start-up Smart Stand. His mission: to create more comfort at the workplace and at the same time counteract back and neck problems. The "Travel" version, which Julien has developed for working on the move, is particularly practical. Not only is it extremely lightweight, it can also be folded flat and transported in a bag - ideal for mobile professionals who often commute between different work locations. Thanks to CHF 100,000 in support from the Canton of Bern Economic Development Agency, Julien was able to take his idea further and launch the Smart Stand collection in his own online store and on sales platforms.

He is now looking for 100,000 francs in capital for the next growth phase and is offering the lions 16 % of the shares in the newly founded Smart Stand AG. But the lions are critical. Tobias Reichmuth is the first to express his doubts: "I don't see a great deal of innovation here", and drops out. Felix Bertram is also skeptical as to whether the holder is really practical in everyday life, as you also need an external keyboard. Julien counters that this could even be an additional sales boost for retailers like Brack.ch, as customers could equip themselves with a keyboard straight away.

While Tobias and Felix do not see an investment opportunity, Lukas Speiser and Roland Brack praise the design, especially the lightweight and foldable version of the "Travel" stand. Lukas emphasizes that he has already tested similar products, but none that are so flat and light. Nevertheless, they both agree that the price of 129 francs is too high. Julien explains that the costs are still relatively high due to the current low production volumes.

Despite the technical finesse and positive feedback on the product, the lions ultimately stood by their assessment that scalability and internationalization would be difficult. Although Roland Brack does not see the product as a suitable investment, he holds out the prospect that the Smart Stand could be sold on Brack.ch.

Buying cars is just as easy as buying shoes

With Farie, Johannes Weirather, Tobias Peschke and Pascal Kappeler from Bannwil (BE) want to revolutionize the used car buying process. Their aim is to handle the entire purchase process online, including delivery to the doorstep, a guarantee and the option to return the vehicle within 14 days. The business model promises a customer-friendly and uncomplicated solution for the used car market. The founders offered the company's Lion 1 % for 150,000 francs. 

Johannes explains how time-consuming and nerve-wracking buying a used car can be - from the test drive and negotiations to the resale of the old vehicle. Farie is designed to save customers time and stress. Every vehicle undergoes a rigorous 310-point check, comes with a warranty and is delivered within three days of purchase. If the car doesn't fit after all, it will be collected free of charge - as long as it has been driven less than 250 kilometers. "Buying cars is as easy as buying shoes" is the motto.

The Swiss market seems ready for the concept: since its launch two and a half years ago, Farie has already sold 1,800 vehicles and generated sales of 19.9 million francs in 2022. This figure was also 20.5 million francs in 2023. The gross margin was 1.2 million francs in 2022 and 50,000 francs in 2023 due to a weaker market. 

Felix Bertram praises the concept, but feels unable to invest in the automotive market. Nicole Büttner also opts out because, as a convinced non-car driver, she has no suitable connection to the business model. Lukas Speiser, on the other hand, is enthusiastic: "You are the online marketplace for cars on steroids." It is clear to him that the business model has potential. The Farie founders are delighted with the deal and have secured one of Switzerland's leading e-commerce experts in Lukas Speiser.

Success with one click?

Matthias Schmid from Altdorf (UR) enters the lions' den with an invention that appeals to dog lovers in particular: the Clicino, a dog clicker in the shape of a ring. The clicker is used to reinforce desired behavior in dogs - and Matthias has managed to turn it into an internationally successful business. The advantage of his clicker over conventional models lies in its ease of use: the Clicino is worn on the finger so that the dog owner has both hands free to guide the dog or hold a toy. Thanks to the improved ergonomics, the timing, which is crucial during training, is much more precise.

Matthias is looking for an investment of 200,000 Swiss francs for 15 %s from his company. The lions are impressed by his international success: since 2019, Matthias has already sold almost 60,000 Clicinos in around 20 countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia and many European countries. The retail price of the Clicino is 13.90 francs. The production costs amount to 3.50 francs per piece. "I didn't expect you to have sold so many," says Roland Brack in amazement.

Lukas Speiser is also impressed by the sales figures, but expressed concerns about the valuation of the company. "You've made around 500,000 francs in sales in four years. How did you come up with the valuation of 1.4 million?" Matthias explained that with professional guidance and the support of an investor, he saw the potential to achieve significantly more. However, the high valuation and the lack of protection against potential copycats make the lions skeptical.

Felix Bertram expresses concern that the product is easy to copy. Lukas Speiser and Jürg Schwarzenbach also see the valuation of 1.4 million francs as a problem and drop out. Roland Brack agrees with the other lions, but offers high praise: "I have the utmost respect for what you have achieved. As an investor, it didn't click with me today, but I hope to see the Clicino in our range soon."

A refreshing success - but with a shareholder problem

Patrick Switzer, former skateboard downhill world champion from Canada, has moved to Switzerland for love and presents his fermented green tea drink Nÿcha to the lions. The kombucha he has launched on the market delights the lions with its refreshing taste, but that's not all. Patrick has brought the drink to Swiss retailers single-handedly and without major distribution, impressing the investors.

Switzer explains: "Nÿcha is tea-based, low in calories, slightly caffeinated and, thanks to the natural fermentation process, has a complex taste with a low alcohol content. It is probiotic, antioxidant and vegan." The European market for kombucha is growing and Switzer wants to expand into other countries. He is looking for 175,000 Swiss francs for this expansion and is offering 10% company shares in return.

Nicole Büttner wants to know what sets Nÿcha apart from other products. Patrick explains that it is a very natural product with high-quality ingredients that is still affordable. A bottle costs 3.45 francs in retail outlets and up to 8 francs in restaurants, while the production costs per bottle are 1.10 francs.

However, Nÿcha's shareholder structure is a cause for concern for the lions. Patrick only holds 33% of the company, although he manages the operational business alone. Lukas Speiser sees this as a problem: "For us as investors, it is important that the driving force also has a significant stake." Another hurdle for the lions is the still young market in Switzerland. Tom Zimmermann sees the growth potential more in international expansion and is therefore dropping out. Bettina Hein and Nicole Büttner are also withdrawing, as they see their expertise in other areas.

Felix Bertram, on the other hand, is impressed by Patrick's career and has a soft spot for his story. As someone who now abstains from alcohol, he sees great potential in Nÿcha. Felix makes an offer: "I'll give you the 175,000 francs, but I want 15 % of the company in return." Patrick happily accepts the offer and secures Felix Bertram as a strong partner who even wants to offer the drink in his own restaurants.

Good shoes, but risky business

Michael Sommer from Obfelden (ZH) presents a new type of running shoe to the lions that is specially adapted to the wearer's running speed. The Vimazi shoes, which are available in different models depending on the speed, are aimed primarily at amateur runners. The lions try out the shoes and like the idea, but there are reservations.

As the exclusive distributor of Vimazi in Europe, he is looking for 250,000 Swiss francs for 20 %s from the company in order to further expand the business. He has already achieved initial success in Switzerland: A warehouse and an online store have been set up, and he has been able to conclude his first dealers and central settlement agreements with major retailers. He now wants to expand into the European market.

Bettina Hein asks what exactly the distribution rights look like. Michael explains that he has an exclusive contract for 20 years. He emphasizes that the entire brand management and finances are in his hands. However, the lions doubt how much control he actually has over the brand.

Michael buys the shoes, which he sells for 240 francs, from the manufacturer for around 25 % of the retail price. However, Roland Brack and Felix Bertram are concerned about the dependence on a contract with the manufacturer. Brack explains that such contracts often do not offer long-term security: "Such contracts are not even worth the paper they are written on if the manufacturer suddenly changes the terms." Felix Bertram agrees and warns: "They can take you apart if they want to. You simply don't have the 20-year warranty."

Although the lions consider the product to be innovative and good, they see too many risks in the business model. Bettina Hein and Jürg Schwarzenbach drop out because they cannot properly assess the brand's potential and find the valuation of 1.25 million Swiss francs too high. Lukas Speiser recognizes the potential in the growing market for running shoes, but does not see a clear exit for an investor and is therefore also out.

The oldest founders of the cave present their product

With Halluxus, Switzerland's oldest founding team enters the lions' den: Fernand Rohner, a former teacher, and his former students Hans Peter Rohner, Jean-Marcel Rohner and his son Markus Tanner have developed a cuff that enables people with hallux valgus to walk without pain. Fernand Rohner, now 86 years old, began working on a solution because of his own problems with his hallux. The product consists of a soft cotton cuff with a plastic insert, which transfers the pressure away from the hallux and thus prevents inflammation. The cuff is made by hand in Appenzell.

The founders are looking for 200,000 Swiss francs for 20 % of Halluxus GmbH to further develop and expand the business. In the first three months, they generated sales of around 70,000 Swiss francs thanks to a strong media presence, with a gross margin of 75-80%. The main sales channel is currently the company's own web store, supplemented by sales in some drugstores and specialist stores.

The lions are impressed by the energy and entrepreneurial spirit of the older founders, but there are also concerns. Felix Bertram, who appreciates the medical benefits of the product, believes that the price should be lowered in order to reach more customers. He suggests a price of 20 francs. Lukas Speiser and Jürg Schwarzenbach, on the other hand, think the current price of just under 40 to 45 francs is reasonable, as people are willing to pay more for pain relief.

Despite the positive feedback and the convincing idea, the lions drop out due to the high valuation of one million francs. Lukas Speiser is impressed by the start-up at an advanced age, but feels that a turnover of 70,000 francs does not justify such a high valuation. Roland Brack and Tobias Reichmuth also recognize the product's potential, but recommend working with established companies in the medical sector to establish the product in drugstores and pharmacies. In the end, all the lions drop out, but admire the team's entrepreneurial spirit and determination.

You can watch the program here: https://www.oneplus.ch/catalog/1000604