Observed Signal · Sep 30, 2026 · TV Pitch / Funding Attempt · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Diana zur Löwen Pitches Toothpaste Startup, Gets No Deal
Diana zur Löwen, former investor on 'Die Höhle der Löwen', appeared as a founder pitching Artem oral care, a Berlin-based premium toothpaste brand. Seeking €300,000 for 10% equity, the founders faced criticism over valuation and ultimately left without an investment. The product line includes two toothpastes, mouth spray, and a beauty bag. Revenue reached approximately €196,000 in the first six months. Despite the TV rejection, they have secured an undisclosed investor and plan retail expansion in the next year, while currently focusing on online sales and performance marketing.
The article covers a consumer brand's unsuccessful pitch on a TV show. While the company plans retail expansion and online marketing, the news is not primarily about advertising technology or marketing technology innovation. The mention of performance marketing is a minor aspect.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Artem oral care founders sought €300,000 for 10% equity but received no deal.
- The company achieved approximately €196,000 revenue in its first six months.
- Product line includes Sensitive White and Sensitive Protect toothpastes, mouth spray, and beauty bag.
- Diana zur Löwen confirmed a private investor has been secured.
- Retail expansion planned for the next year.
- Episode aired on RTL on 2026-09-30.
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1 Entity mapped“RTL ist der Sender der Sendung 'Die Höhle der Löwen'....”
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Investors Judith Williams and Frank Thelen back hair wax startup
On the German TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (DHDL), founders Robert Tarquini, Klaus Laimer, and Max Kögl pitched their hair wax product "Don Quiff", which is claimed to counteract hair loss and protect against it. The product features caffeine, biotin, and ectoin. The founders reported initial success with 40,000 euros in sales via TikTok Shops within three months. While investor Carsten Maschmeyer declined due to lack of scientific studies and poor financials, Judith Williams and Frank Thelen jointly offered 120,000 euros for 30% equity. The deal was closed after the show. Williams will contribute cosmetics expertise and lab access, while Thelen brings design and distribution experience. The product is now available at Flaconi.
Salzburg Hair Startup Don Quiff Secures Double Deal on Lions' Den
The Salzburg-based hair styling startup Don Quiff, known for its caffeine-infused hair wax, has secured a double deal on the VOX show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (Lions' Den). Investors Judith Williams and Frank Thelen jointly invested €120,000 in exchange for a 30% stake in the company behind the brand, The New Men Company. The founders, Markus "Max" Kögl, Robert Tarquini, and Klaus Laimer, chose Williams and Thelen over other offers due to their combined expertise in cosmetics and entrepreneurship. The product, an energy wax that combines classic styling with functional ingredients like caffeine, impressed the investors with its quality-over-price approach. Thelen highlighted the team's passion and work ethic, while Williams brings her cosmetic labs and experience. The founders emphasized that the deal was about gaining expert guidance as much as funding.
Sauberkugel founders secure DHDL deal with Ralf Dümmel
Susanne and Bernd Schmekel, founders of Sauberkugel, a reusable cleaning product, appeared on the German TV show 'Die Höhle der Löwen' to seek €250,000 for their business. They have sold over 1.5 million units and generated approximately €8 million in revenue over eight years, with an 80% profit margin. Despite this success, they lacked staff and needed funds for production and retail expansion. Three investors made identical offers of €250,000 for 20% equity. The Schmekels chose Ralf Dümmel, who offered support for retail growth and scaling. Other investors, including Judith Williams and Andreas Herb, also competed, while Dagmar Wöhrl and Frank Thelen declined due to concerns about stagnation and lack of employees. The product is sold internationally, including in Germany, the USA, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
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