RoadAds founder Cave of the Lions cheers Carsten Maschmeyer

Cologne –

One million euros for only ten percent of the company's stock – in such a notation, investors in the "cave of lions" experience are extremely restricted. Not to say: off.

But this Tuesday, he seemed a little different. Because the product, which had the Austrians Christoph Hermann (34 years old), Martin Donald Murray (33 years old) and Henry Wieser (28 years old), was already well received at first sight.

"Waterdrop" is the name of the little shower cube without sugar. "We bring flavor to the world," promised the founders, who have already invested more than two million euros in equity in their business. Or in other words, "all we have".

"Waterdrop" Inspires Investors in "The Cave of Lions"

But what is a "drop of water"? The cubes are available in five different flavors. They must enrich the simple water with natural flavors, fruit and plant extracts and precious vitamins. They should make sure that people drink more water and less unhealthy drinks. In addition, plastic bottles and aluminum cans will be announced.

"One day, three years ago, we were on a plane and we were wondering: why is there not a product so small that we could just pour it into our water and give it a good taste? There are also valuable ingredients, "says founder Martin, explaining the genesis of the product.

Read here: scandal about the causes of startups at the "Cave of the Lions"

For years, he was tinkering before the arrival of the 2017 trio in Austria – in supermarkets, in his own stores, in hotels and online.

Ralf Dümmel: sensational subject

As the lions showed interest, the "water drop" was well received. Ralf Dümmel even spoke of a "sensational" subject.

If it is not the high ranking of the company would be … But also for the founders have an explanation. "We started selling in Austria in 2017 and have already achieved an annual turnover of 750,000 euros the first year and the market is huge.This means that the growth potential is very high.And you must also to say that the existing investors paid exactly the same note two months ago ", continues Martin Donald Murray.

Wait a moment: existing investors? "How many shareholders are there then?", S & D direct questioned Dagmar Wöhrl. "Elf," says founder Martin. The lions have big eyes. "What should the twelfth shareholder have with what others do not have?" Continued Judith Williams to conduct a critical investigation. Answer: a brilliant network in Germany. This is still missing from entrepreneurs.

Many investors. Judith Williams was out immediately. Meanwhile, Frank Thelen was deterred that the founders' supplier was also the company's second largest shareholder.

The founders negotiate with Ralf Dümmel and Dagmar Wöhrl

Last hope: Ralf Dümmel and Dagmar Wöhrl. And they actually made an offer – but to double the company's stock by 20%. The founders withdrew for advice and made a counter-offer: 12.5%, but a share of revenues in the first year (5%) and the second year (3%).

Now the lions had to consult. Dümmel: "You do not make things easy." Next counter-offer: Deal as proposed by entrepreneurs, but with an additional 1.5% revenue share in the third year. The founders can no longer say no, they receive the million.

The office revolution has yet to wait

For his part, Jan Gumprecht (36) and his "FitSeat" were less successful. With that, the former competitive athlete really wants to launch a "desktop revolution". "Sitting down is really dangerous," he said. "Physical inactivity is the main cause of weight gain, back problems, laxity and stress." That's why the 36-year-old invented a mix of office chair and bike ergometer – in-house.

It aims to help reduce fat and promote the ability to concentrate, creativity and memory during work.

An exciting subject that, however, had a huge advantage: the price. 1740 Euro costs a "FitSeat". Much too much for lions. Especially since Gumprecht only sold 13 pieces. Since investors came out very quickly – even though the idea could basically solve a big problem.

Sonja Labitzke (43) from Mechernich and her dog "Boneguard", as well as Corina (33) and Jochen Riedinger (36) and their machine, prepare baby bottles at the push of a button.

Simple idea, famous founder: "RoadAds"

Things went better for Andreas Widmann (26) and his start-up "RoadAds interactive". He introduced his simple idea: many motorists spend a lot of time looking at the back of trucks while driving. An area that could be well marketed.

Widmann wants to place digital advertising displays at the back, with technologies such as the GPS system and the LTE mobile module. Thus, you will always know where the commission is, whether a national border has been crossed or what the weather is like. Good for advertisers who could target their ads via the website on the truck screens.

"You are a superstar"

It does not seem tyrannical, but we are especially enthusiastic: Carsten Maschmeyer. "You're a superstar, you have huge potential!" He shouted. "I am fascinated by you, as you fought."

The reason: Widmann not only intelligently explains his idea, but deliberately dispels any doubt that Maschmeyer and the other lions initially had with intelligent arguments – for example, that the large-scale distribution of the system was far too expensive and would cost many millions of dollars. # 39; euros. ,

"Do not go away with empty pockets"

Especially with this phrase, Widmann managed to convince Carsten Maschmeyer of his idea, even though he was at first a possible investor: "I did not come here to go empty-handed." A courageous phrase that has been rewarded!

Widmann has not only reached an agreement with Carsten Maschmeyer, but also with Georg Kofler, who has also been involved (750,000 euros for 25%).