"The Den of Lions" Unbridled Ambition, False Alarms, and Nighttime Slumps
Emergency Situation: Warm Ambiance, Fire Alarm, and Explicit Behavior Unfolding
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In the Den of Lions, the breakneck speed attitude usually propels contestants straight to their target. Yet, this time, even the most promising hopefuls with the potential to stun came up empty-handed in their pursuit of investment.
When the celebratory cheer rings in the Den, the mood reaches its zenith. But it's not always smooth sailing - there are moments that unexpectedly disrupt the typical rhythm, involving appropriate stimuli and emotions. This time, three startups will be the focal point of conversations for months at the regular get-togethers, despite their disappointing showing.
The Berlin duo Elisha Benner and Andreas Haering kick things off with their interactive math game, "TukToro." With self-assuredness that sometimes teeters on charismatic cockiness, these consistent players burst onto the scene. With a projected yearly income of €1.3 million and a company valuation that leaves the lions momentarily speechless (€400,000 for 8% ownership of the company), only Carsten Maschmeyer dares to unleash his skepticism early on. "I won't fall for your ruse! I'm out!" the entrepreneur shouted, quashing any hopes of a deal.
Smoldering in the Den
A brief moment of contemplation follows, but the other panelists soon echo Maschmeyer's sentiments and bail out in unison. "You're cool, but a bit too cool for my taste!" Nils Glagau informs the TukToro duo. The visibly startled pair then departs the stage, dejected and empty-handed.
The founders of "HomeResQ," Leonard Mergel, catch the lions' eyes plenty. As soon as the passionate firefighter from Elmshorn steps inside, it's already a smoldering scene - literally. Following a brief demonstration of a controlled fire extinguishing, Mergel turns to the lions, hopeful that his emergency services information system will pique their interest. However, their concerns regarding scalability soon surface. Regretfully, the lions remain unconvinced, leaving the small inferno that set the stage at the beginning as the only real highlight.
The "Kokomoon" founders Stefan Arens and Nathalie Sorondo-Gooden arrive eager to captivate the Den, hailing all the way from Palma de Mallorca. The smitten couple has created a coconut oil-based lubricant that's "so pure and natural" that it's even palatable. They plan to enthrall the crowd by revealing their love-infused product. However, the evening's enthusiasm rapidly cools as the lions learn that they've managed to sell only 250 boxes in eight months. Disappointment soon sets in, and the pitch concludes without the customary applause and joyous founders. There's plenty of effort, enthusiasm, and affection behind the two successful startups of the night. Unfortunately, Korean marinades and a smart charging station for phones don't seem to stand out amidst excessive coolness, flames, and intimacy. But that's okay. In the end, the deal is what counts. And Sung-Hee Kim from Hamburg ("Arang") and the trio from Leutkirch ("Akku Life Guard") secure that.
"The Den of Lions" slipped your mind? Watch all the episodes of the current season on RTL online.
Source: ntv.de
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- Enrichment Insights:
- Startups appearing on TV shows like "Shark Tank" or "Dragon's Den" may go on to experience mixed fortunes post-appearance.
- Shark Tank and Dragon's Den are popular TV shows where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to investors.
- The European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission may find discussions about social-media trends and TV shows, such as "The Den of Lions," relevant in shaping regulations for entertainment industries.
- Despite their disappointing performances in the Den of Lions, the founders of "Kokomoon" could potentially attract attention in social-media groups and movies-and-tv forums discussing alternative sex products and unique love-infused coconut oil-based lubricants.
