New episode of Höhle der Löwen: company valuations "behind the moon"

The first business case presented was the "GoNina" app. The team led by founder Matthieu aims to offer a sustainable solution to food waste in restaurants, supermarkets and bakeries. The AI-controlled app helps businesses to better calculate their food production and sell surpluses instead of throwing them away. Currently, 50 businesses in Zurich are already participating. The concept sounded promising, but the lions were skeptical. In particular, the valuation of the start-up - the founders called for an investment of 500,000 francs in return for 10 percent of the company shares - and the mix of business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) caused a lack of understanding. Nicole Büttner-Thiel questioned whether the business model could generate enough turnover. The other lions also dropped out due to the high valuation and lack of focus. Felix Bertram, for example, found the idea "super exciting" and would probably have invested if the valuation had been lower. As consolation, the company at least received a starter package worth 5,000 francs, donated by the show's main sponsor.

baby-sleep-doctors.ch: Solving sleep problems with AI

Parents who suffer from their babies' sleep problems will in future be able to use the "baby-sleep-doctors.ch" app. Developed by paediatrician Oliver and marketing expert Sarah, the app provides individually tailored advice to help improve babies' sleeping habits. The business model is based on a freemium model in which the basic functions are free and a monthly fee of 8 francs is charged for the advanced AI functions.

However, the lions were less than convinced. While some saw the problem as relevant, there were doubts about scalability and the business model. And the AI part of the solution was also seen as not yet fully developed. However, the sales prospects made for open eyes and ears: If only 1.4 percent of 132 million births per year in the German, English, Spanish, French and Portuguese-speaking world were to purchase the app, this would result in a turnover of 4 million - and rising. Despite this, Bettina Hein, Lukas Speiser and Felix Bertram dropped out, but Oliver and Sarah found two investors in Jürg Schwarzenbach and Roland Brack, who offered them 99,000 francs each for 6 percent of the shares. Even though the founders were still struggling with the company shares - they actually only wanted to give up 3 percent - they accepted both offers, i.e. 198,000 francs in exchange for a 12 percent stake. Better the bird in the hand than the pigeon on the roof, they concluded.

Planctons GmbH: Glasses made from ocean plastic

The company Planctons, represented by Marcel, Jens and Dominik, produces eyewear frames made from 100% recycled ocean plastic. The idea: sustainable eyewear for environmentally conscious customers. Around 1000 frames have been sold so far and the company is well on the way to entering series production. But getting there is expensive: 700,000 francs need to be raised for 30 percent of the company shares. The lions were torn. Although they were impressed by the idea of sustainability, they considered the product to be too niche-specific. The investors were particularly concerned about the complexity of the value chain and the planned series production. Felix Bertram expressed his reservations about selling 30% of the company's shares in the current phase. However, he understood that the founders really need money above all else at the moment. In the end, however, none of the lions agreed to a deal. However, the three founders were able to take away valuable tips for further development and the business idea should be congratulated if it becomes a success.

4Fondue GmbH: The caquelon for every taste

Jonny and Soraya Billeter, a father-daughter team, have developed an innovative idea in the field of fondue culture with "4Fondue": a caquelon that makes it possible to prepare different types of fondue at the same time. The multi-piece fondue set is particularly suitable for people with special dietary requirements and taste preferences. The caquelon makes it possible, for example, to enjoy a vegan fondue or a truffle-flavored fondue - or even a chocolate fondue - at the same time. For 150,000 Swiss francs in exchange for 15 percent of the shares, founders Soraya and Jonny were now looking for support to market the product even better. The lions were partly enthusiastic, especially about the innovation, but they doubted the scalability and marketability of the product. In the end, Roland Brack was the only investor left and offered 150,000 Swiss francs for 20 percent of the shares. He was convinced that the Swiss market had sufficient potential. Jonny and Soraya accepted the offer and probably secured the investor who could best help them expand their company thanks to his e-commerce expertise.

Bodé Studios: Perfume from Switzerland

With their perfumes, the two founders of Bodé Studios, Nicola and Lino, are launching a luxury product on the market that has already gained international recognition. The company has even won an award for the best perfume out of over 3,500 samples submitted with its product "Fuchsrot". Now they want to further internationalize their perfumes and are looking for 300,000 francs in exchange for 8 percent of the shares.

The lions thought the fragrances and packaging were well made, but were anything but enthusiastic about the figures. The company's valuation in particular caused a lack of understanding. Felix Bertram thought the ideas were "behind the times" and dropped out. And the sales figures also sounded like they were not worth investing in: The founders stated that they wanted to increase turnover to 500,000 francs by 2027. This was not at all what the lions had in mind. All investors backed out, even though they recognized the founders' commitment and vision.

Glory Bomb: the caffeinated soft drink

The "Glory Bomb" energy drink aims to shake up the drinks market with a fruity, caffeinated soft drink. The product contains guarana, green tea, aloe vera and the juice of the mangosteen fruit, all without preservatives or artificial colors. Benji and Wally, the South African-born founders from Flurlingen SH, have already launched the drink in various markets, including South Africa and Dubai. Their goal is to achieve sales of one million Swiss francs by 2025.

However, the lions were not very convinced by the business model. The sales forecasts seemed too high to them and they also felt that the company's message was not clear enough. As a result, all the lions dropped out, even though the product was well received at the tasting. The founders now have to carry on without investment. However, if they take the tips they received from the lions to heart, the product could well be a success.

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