“The Lion’s Den”: Software gives hope to people with disabilities

“The Lion’s Den”
Software gives hope to people with disabilities

Founder Anton Wachner has been severely physically impaired since birth. Despite all the obstacles, he has developed software that could turn the world of disabled people upside down. FourWays can be controlled by head and eye movements – what a huge step that he presented in “The Lion’s Den” (Mondays, 8:15 p.m., on Vox or RTL+). Other deals are a little trickier. Past investments stand in the way of many a deal.

Clinching of interests prevents investment

The first pitch sends the lions into a frenzy. The founders Andreas Tscheinig (60) from Bisingen and Josef Bogenschütz (58) are introducing Rollerback, a back support for the bicycle saddle. The two bicycle innovators promise two effects: more performance, but above all, protection for the back, which is relieved by their product. They offer 20 percent of their company shares for 150,000 euros. A flexible backrest for the bike: “Do you really need that?” is not the only question asked by lioness Judith Williams (53). The best way to test it: The bold lioness jumps onto the cycling simulator in velvet high heels and, just like her colleagues Ralf Dümmel (57) and Nils Glagau (48), feels the advantages of the new invention for cycling.

Instead, the sales price of 299 euros creates headwind for an investment in Rollerback. The investor Tijen Onaran (39), Judith Williams and Nils Glagau are out afterwards. On the other hand, Carsten Maschmeyer (65) and Ralf Dümmel are diligently putting their heads together when it comes to rollerback investments. But: Both invested in the start-up Freibeik in 2023, which promises similar effects and is aimed at a similar group of buyers. “As sorry as we are, we are staying with Freibeik and are out of Rollerback,” said Carsten Maschmeyer. So the two inventors start their journey home without any tailwind from an investment.

“I am the best for the topic”

Your start-up idea is formulated for the toilet: the toilet star by master plumber Michael Grundmann (61) and Francesco La Pica (57). Your long-lasting cleaning and descaling set is inserted directly into the toilet cistern. It is intended to avoid unnecessary plastic waste and clean the toilet more thoroughly. The offer from the two toilet tinkerers: 25,000 euros for 25 percent of the company shares. The founders point out that Germans spend an average of 17 minutes a day on the toilet – a full three years in their lives. But is a Leo prepared to enter the toilet business for an even longer period of time? “For me, the WC star is really a star,” says Ralf Dümmel enthusiastically. “I don’t want to be disrespectful, but I’m the best person for the topic.” Dümmel is seizing the opportunity. And the only thing left for the founders to do is to agree to the deal with their desired lions. In the future it will be said: A toilet star is born!

“The entire lion squad fell in love with you”

Founder Azuka Stekovics (39) has created a care serum for melanin-rich, even darker skin with Lanin Labs. Melanin-rich skin has a “phenomenal advantage” and an obvious disadvantage. They age 10 to 15 years slower than light skin. However, moisture and active ingredients are not as easily absorbed by darker skin. Because retailers hardly ever offer skin care for melanin-rich skin, she recently developed her own care series.

It makes sense that beauty expert Judith Williams is investing in Lanin Labs. After all, all of her skin care investments as part of “The Lion’s Den” have, in her own words, “worked tremendously.” But she, of all people, complains about the product’s scent and its slightly sticky consistency. The current selling price of 60 euros makes the deal even more difficult. Tillman Schulz (35) considers a sales price of 29.95 euros to be the upper limit. Judith Williams sees Lanin Labs exclusively in online retail. Lioness Janna Ensthaler (40) summarizes the lion’s dilemma: “The entire lion squad has fallen in love with you. Nevertheless, we have to remain rational.” In the end, only Judith Williams is left in the race. But Lanin Labs is currently “uninvestable” for her too. She also exits in the end.

“You are a great role model for all of us”

Anton Wachner (38) is probably one of the most impressive founders in the ten-year history of the format. The business IT specialist has been severely physically impaired since birth and sits in a wheelchair. He doesn’t let that stop him for a second. With FourWays, he and his colleague Sophie Kramer (30) have developed software that makes it possible to control computers, tablets and cell phones using head and eye movements. His invention opens up unexpected perspectives for those who cannot use the keyboard for physical reasons. Anton’s pitch leaves the Lions deeply impressed. His offer to the lions: 150,000 euros for 15 percent of the company shares. “Respect, Anton, you are a great role model for many,” bows Dagmar Wöhrl (70), but leaves the tech investment to Carsten Maschmeyer. He promises to get involved with FourWays: “You get my tech experience and you get the 150,000 euros.” And Anton is overwhelmed: “I thought it was outstanding that Carsten Maschmeyer sat right next to me as part of the team.”

“Every investor wants to know: When will I get my money back?”

“Light in a new dimension!” promises the founding duo Chris Herbold (41) and Patrick Fomferra (31) from Karlsruhe. Your start-up Lixl creates three-dimensional lighting effects and lines using light panels. Which also react to ambient noise – relevant for all music or gaming fans, for example. “This turns every gaming room into a real showroom,” promise the two inventors. But does the Lions invest 300,000 euros for 25 percent of Lixl? Dagmar Wöhrl has doubts as to whether the concept is really unique. “We haven’t reinvented the wheel,” Herbold admits frankly. Ralf Dümmel does not see the scalability of the product. Tillman Schulz is also keeping an eye on the founders regarding their business plans for the coming years. Judith Williams points out: “Every investor wants to know: When will I get my money back?” “You are missing a finance director, your team is not complete,” say Tillman Schulz and Carsten Maschmeyer. Dagmar Wöhrl also calls the offer “incalculable” and is the last to drop out.

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