Observed Signal · Sep 28, 2026 · Funding · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 1/5 · Sentiment: Positive
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.
The article reports a funding deal for a consumer cleaning product on a TV show, which has limited relevance to the AdTech, MarTech, or advertising industries. The company is not a tech platform or advertiser, and the deal does not involve digital marketing or advertising technology.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Sauberkugel founders secured €250,000 from Ralf Dümmel for 20% equity on 'Die Höhle der Löwen'.
- The company has sold over 1.5 million units and generated €8 million in revenue over eight years.
- The product has an 80% profit margin and is sold internationally, including in Germany, USA, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea.
- The founders had no employees at the time of the pitch, leading to concerns from some investors.
- Judith Williams and Andreas Herb also offered identical terms of €250,000 for 20%, but the founders chose Dümmel for his retail expertise.
Connected Companies & Entities
1 Entity mappedRelated Market Signals & Shifts
Recent verified developments and strategic activity across this market segment.
DHDL: Drain Cleaner Startup Dekadome Secures Deal with Ralf Dümmel
On the German TV show 'Die Höhle der Löwen' (Lion's Den), founders Anton Vrouzos and Marius Ludwig pitched Dekadome, a reusable mechanical drain cleaner that prevents clogs without chemicals. Instead of a standard investment offer, they used a spinning wheel to determine the deal terms, offering four options ranging from €30,000 for 15% to €60,000 for 30%. Despite skepticism from some investors, Janna Ensthaler and Ralf Dümmel both offered €60,000 for 30%. The founders chose Dümmel, and the deal was confirmed after the show. The product, retailing for €19.99, is now available online.
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.
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.
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