The latest episode of "Die Höhle der Löwen" aired on May 5, 2025, showcasing a mix of innovative pitches and intense investor scrutiny. Moderated by Amiaz Habtu, the show featured a range of entrepreneurs presenting their unique business ideas, from a beer syrup to a caffeine spray, all vying for investment from the show's seasoned investors.
One of the standout pitches came from jeweler Heidrun Bollinger, 41, and restaurateur Christian Joachim, 62, who introduced their product: Biersirup, a syrup made from excess beer. This idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic when Joachim found himself with 2,000 liters of beer he couldn't sell. "Throwing it away was not an option. I thought, researched, experimented, and came up with our beer syrup," he explained. They sought an investment of 100,000 euros for a 15% stake in their company, but the reaction from the investors was mixed, with some finding the concept unusual.
In another pitch, Andrea Gößlinghoff, 38, and Matthias Geenen, 37, presented their educational software, "Sag es auf Deutsch," designed to help children who do not speak German to self-teach and build a basic vocabulary. "With our app, children can independently learn to read and train grammatical structures," Geenen said. The software is already being used in over 1,500 schools, which impressed investors. Carsten Maschmeyer praised their initiative, stating, "What you are doing is exemplary. Language is the future," leading to a bidding war for 70,000 euros in exchange for a 10% stake.
Next, a mother-daughter duo from Ravensburg, Mirjam Spinnenhirn, 53, and her daughter Ellen, 24, pitched their product, corridge, a collagen-infused porridge aimed at busy professionals who skip breakfast. "In the professional world, a healthy breakfast often gets neglected," Ellen noted. Their product is gluten-free, high in protein, and contains ten grams of collagen from grass-fed beef. They were looking for 50,000 euros in exchange for 20% of their company, which garnered interest from several investors.
The episode also featured brothers Christopher Calvin, 31, and Vincent Constantin Klatt, 27, who presented Nose Energy, a caffeine spray designed to provide an energy boost through inhalation. "Two sprays are roughly equivalent to the effect of a cup of coffee or a can of energy drink," explained Klatt. They sought 100,000 euros for a 20% stake. Initially, investor Ralf Dümmel was enthusiastic and ready to invest, but legal issues arose after the pitch, leading to a significant twist in their story. The product was later rebranded as a mouth spray due to regulatory concerns, disappointing the founders, who expressed their shock at the turn of events.
Additionally, Alexander Moosbrugger, 51, and Manuel Hehle, 37, pitched mo energy systems, a company focused on innovative solar panel installations on building facades. "Everyone knows solar panels on roofs, but we think further. Every facade can produce energy," Moosbrugger stated. They requested 800,000 euros for a 10% stake. Despite the clever concept, Judith Williams criticized their presentation style, advising Hehle to improve his body language. She commented, "You really need more calmness," which left Hehle visibly shaken. In the end, no deal was made, although Maschmeyer promised to connect them with industry contacts.
As the episode concluded, the emotional rollercoaster of pitches left viewers on the edge of their seats. Janna Ensthaler, one of the investors, remarked on the power of the show, stating, "So many founders were able to realize their ideas in the cave and make them big – that is simply phenomenal." This sentiment reflects the ongoing impact of "Die Höhle der Löwen" on aspiring entrepreneurs.
Judging by the reactions and the deals made, the episode highlighted the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship. The blend of innovative ideas and investor critiques serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of the business world. As the season continues, viewers are left wondering which entrepreneurs will succeed in securing investment and which will leave empty-handed.
"Die Höhle der Löwen" airs every Monday at 8:15 PM on VOX, with new episodes available on RTL+ a week earlier. The current season, which started on April 28, 2025, will feature a total of eight episodes, concluding on June 16, 2025. As the show progresses, the excitement surrounding each pitch continues to build, captivating audiences and inspiring future entrepreneurs.
