Observed Signal · Oct 26, 2026 · Investment · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Founder's emotional pitch wins Ralf Dümmel investment
On the German TV show 'Die Höhle der Löwen' (DHDL), three cousins from Dortmund—Nabil, Aiman, and Jusef Chehade—pitched their medical device startup LifeSaveAir. They developed a purely mechanical suction device, named 'Lifesaver', to clear airway blockages in emergencies, inspired by an incident where Nabil's son choked on a strawberry. The product, priced at 79 euros with production costs of about 15 euros, had sold 600 units and generated around 40,000 euros in revenue since regulatory approval seven months prior. Four investors declined due to slow sales and pricing concerns, but Ralf Dümmel, moved by the story, invested 100,000 euros for a 25% stake. The founders plan to sell their existing businesses to focus on LifeSaveAir.
This is a niche consumer product investment on a TV show, not directly relevant to the AdTech/MarTech industry.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- LifeSaveAir, founded by three cousins from Dortmund, developed a mechanical suction device called 'Lifesaver' to clear airway blockages.
- The founders pitched on DHDL and received a 100,000 euro investment from Ralf Dümmel for a 25% stake.
- The product sells for 79 euros, costs about 15 euros to produce, and had sold 600 units generating around 40,000 euros in revenue since regulatory approval seven months prior.
- Four of the five lions declined to invest, with only Ralf Dümmel making an offer.
- The founders plan to sell their existing businesses (a care agency and a wholesale company) to focus on LifeSaveAir.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“The broadcaster of the show 'Die Höhle der Löwen'.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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