Observed Signal · Sep 28, 2026 · Partnership · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Blookery's DHDL Deal with Johannes Kliesch Collapses
Blookery, a German startup offering surprise city trips via blind booking, appeared on 'Die Höhle der Löwen' (Shark Tank). Founded in 2016 by Jannis Jäger and Kevin Kiesewetter, the company impressed investors with €1 million in annual revenue and €160,000 profit. The founders sought €500,000 for 12% equity, valuing the company at €4.2 million. Johannes Kliesch offered €500,000 for 40% equity, which was accepted, but the deal fell through post-show upon closer financial examination revealing such a large investment was unnecessary. Instead, Kliesch formed a partnership with Blookery, helping reduce payment processing costs and optimize marketing through performance ads, email, and influencer marketing. The founders clarified that the €5 million market forecast, a concern for Judith Williams, was based on a comparison with Eurowings' blind booking segment and was not their actual growth expectation.
The news is about a German travel startup appearing on a TV show and a deal falling through, which is not directly relevant to the AdTech/MarTech industry. The only connection to marketing is mention of performance marketing optimization, but the core event is a business deal in the travel sector.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Blookery is a German startup offering surprise city trips (blind booking), founded in 2016 by Jannis Jäger and Kevin Kiesewetter.
- On 'Die Höhle der Löwen', the founders sought €500,000 for 12% equity, reporting €1 million revenue and €160,000 profit, valuing the company at €4.2 million.
- Johannes Kliesch offered a deal for 40% equity, which was accepted, but the deal fell through after the show as the investment was deemed unnecessary.
- Instead, Kliesch formed a partnership with Blookery, reducing payment processing costs and optimizing marketing (performance ads, email, influencer marketing).
- The €5 million revenue forecast for Germany was based on a comparison with Eurowings' blind booking segment and was acknowledged as a mistake.
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
DHDL Deals Fail Due to Post-Show Due Diligence
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Sauberkugel founders secure DHDL deal with Ralf Dümmel
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Two new investors join DHDL's 20th anniversary season
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