Observed Signal · Oct 5, 2026 · Funding · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
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.
The article is about a consumer hair wax product investment, not directly related to advertising technology, marketing technology, or advertising strategies. The mention of TikTok Shops is a distribution channel but does not constitute a significant AdTech/MarTech development.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Don Quiff is a hair wax product with caffeine, biotin, and ectoin, pitched on DHDL.
- Founders Robert Tarquini, Klaus Laimer, and Max Kögl sought 120,000 euros for 20% equity.
- Judith Williams and Frank Thelen jointly invested 120,000 euros for 30% equity.
- Don Quiff generated 40,000 euros in sales via TikTok Shops in three months.
- The product is now available at retailer Flaconi.
- The deal was finalized after the show under the agreed conditions.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“The Don Quiff hair wax is now available at Flaconi....”
“Don Quiff generated sales via TikTok Shops....”
“The image credit indicates RTL as the broadcaster of DHDL....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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.
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