As the excitement builds for the new season of "Die Höhle der Löwen," the popular German investment show returns for its 17th season on April 28, 2025. With a lineup of innovative startups and a mix of familiar and fresh faces among the investors, viewers can expect a thrilling series of pitches and deals.
This season features a dynamic group of investors, including financial expert Carsten Maschmeyer, experienced entrepreneur Dagmar Wöhrl, and Green-Tech specialist Janna Ensthaler. Also returning are Judith Williams, known for her beauty expertise, along with Nils Glagau, Ralf Dümmel, Tijen Onaran, and Tillman Schulz. However, it will be a bittersweet season as three investors—Glagau, Onaran, and Schulz—will bid farewell after this series.
The show kicks off with an intriguing first episode, where several startups will present their business ideas to the panel of investors. Among them is Max Fitness, which, supported by ski jumping legend Sven Hannawald, introduces the "PickUp," a patented fascia trainer designed to enhance workout efficiency. The founders are seeking 240,000 Euros for a 20% stake in their company. Ralf Dümmel, a seasoned investor, praised the ingenuity of the product, saying, "You guys are great craftsmen!" However, he ultimately decided not to invest.
Another startup making waves is "Glim Skin," a skincare device utilizing cold plasma technology to treat skin impurities. Founders Friederike Kogelheide and Benita Botterhuis are looking for 300,000 Euros for a 10% share of their company. Maschmeyer was less than impressed with their pitch, stating, "No sales, no production, no online shop yet, far too few test subjects, no comparative studies." He found their valuation excessive, which led to a tense exchange where he remarked, "You could say that about a toaster!" Judith Williams echoed Maschmeyer's sentiments, deeming the study results insufficient.
On a lighter note, a team of young entrepreneurs pitched "pick'em," a toothpick infused with fresh flavors. They are seeking 200,000 Euros for a 15% stake. Their product has already become a TikTok sensation, endorsed by celebrities like Macklemore and James Corden. After some negotiation, they settled on a deal giving away 17.5% of their company to Wöhrl, Dümmel, and Tillman Schulz.
Christoph Graf introduced the "Little Captain," an innovative dog leash designed to allow children to walk dogs safely. He requested 100,000 Euros for 25.1% of his company. Despite Wöhrl labeling the price as "sporty," she made an offer for 30%, which Graf eagerly accepted, expressing his delight at having her as his investor.
Also featured in the first episode are Gregor Wenter and Stephanie Lüpold, who presented "re.garum," a natural seasoning sauce made from fermented kitchen waste. They are seeking 400,000 Euros for a 10% stake. While the product was well-received, the investors were hesitant about the business model. Wöhrl, who had high hopes for the product, ultimately decided to step back due to the high company valuation, although she expressed interest in becoming a customer.
The season comprises a total of eight episodes, airing weekly on Mondays at 20:15 on VOX. The full schedule includes episodes on May 5, May 12, May 19, May 26, June 2, June 9, and June 16, 2025. For the first time, new episodes will be available on the streaming platform RTL+ one week prior to their television broadcast.
Amiaz Habtu returns as the show's moderator, a role he has held since the show's inception in 2014. His calm demeanor and experience have helped many entrepreneurs navigate the challenging pitch process.
This season promises to be a mix of excitement, innovation, and emotional farewells as the investors and entrepreneurs strive for success. The show continues to highlight the entrepreneurial spirit in Germany, providing a platform for startups to gain visibility and investment.
As the new season unfolds, fans eagerly await the outcomes of these pitches and the potential for groundbreaking deals. With a blend of established and new investors, viewers can expect a captivating showcase of creativity and business acumen.
