Observed Signal · Oct 19, 2026 · Funding · Source: Gründerszene (DACH Startups & Scaleups) · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Thelen Invests in Move2pay on DHDL, Deal Falls Through
On the German TV show 'Die Höhle der Löwen' (Shark Tank), Frank Thelen and Janna Ensthaler competed to invest in Move2pay, a reward-based fitness app that credits users for physical activity, redeemable at partner shops. The founders, Mia and Karim Allouche, sought €350,000 for a 10% stake, but both investors demanded 20%. Ultimately, Thelen secured the deal, but it later collapsed due to differing strategic visions. Move2pay reported nearly 30,000 users and €142,000 in revenue from service fees in the past six months, growing by about 300 users daily. The company has received backing from football personality Steffen Baumgart and claims €5 million invested over five years.
The collapsed deal highlights the volatility of startup investments but is not industry-shifting.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Move2pay founders sought €350,000 for 10% equity on 'Die Höhle der Löwen'.
- Frank Thelen agreed to invest €350,000 for 20% stake, but the deal collapsed post-show.
- Move2pay has nearly 30,000 users and generated €142,000 in revenue from service fees in six months.
- The app is growing by about 300 new users per day.
- Steffen Baumgart serves as brand ambassador for Move2pay.
Connected Companies & Entities
2 Entities mapped“Snocks is a partner brand of Move2pay.”
“RTL is the broadcaster of the show 'Die Höhle der Löwen'.”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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