Observed Signal · Oct 5, 2026 · Funding · Source: Trending Topics (DACH/CEE Innovation & Tech) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
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.
This is a local startup funding announcement on a TV show, with limited direct impact on the broader AdTech/MarTech industry. The product is consumer goods, not advertising technology.
Track VOX Signals & Market Shifts in Real-Time
Polaris7 autonomous intelligence agents track regulatory filings, primary sources, executive changes, and deal flow 24/7. Create your free Explorer workspace to monitor these entities.
Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Don Quiff, a Salzburg-based hair styling startup, received a €120,000 investment from Judith Williams and Frank Thelen on the VOX show 'Die Höhle der Löwen'.
- The investors will receive a 30% stake in The New Men Company, the company behind the Don Quiff brand.
- The product is a caffeine-infused hair wax called 'Energy Wax'.
- The founders are Markus 'Max' Kögl, Robert Tarquini, and Klaus Laimer.
- The deal was a 'double deal' with two investors.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mapped“The event took place on the VOX founding show 'Die Höhle der Löwen'....”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
Related Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
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.
Two new investors join DHDL's 20th anniversary season
Vox investor Dagmar Wöhrl inadvertently revealed two new investors for the 20th season of the German founders' show Die Höhle der Löwen (DHDL). In an Instagram Story she shared behind-the-scenes footage that showed Andreas Herb and Johannes Kliesch; Wöhrl later deleted the Story. The additions were reported by Bild and have since been confirmed by the broadcaster. A Vox/RTL spokesperson said Herb and Kliesch will be part of the jubilee season airing this autumn and that further details about the panel will be announced later. Andreas Herb is identified as founder of the MBG Group (known for beverage brands such as Salitos and Effect); Johannes Kliesch is co-founder of the sock and underwear brand Snocks.
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.
Track Real-Time Market Signals & Shifts
Set up custom watchlists to receive automated, evidence-grounded executive digests whenever material signals or shifts occur across your tracked landscape.