The finale of the 18th season of the Lion's Den

Precision: dairy innovation from Munich

With Precision®, founders Dr. Fabio Labriola, Philipp von Plato and Malte Zeeck want to redefine the dairy industry. Their aim is to create milk that looks, tastes and foams like real cow's milk, but without animal farming. Their milk alternative is 97% cow-free, contains 70% less sugar, is rich in vitamins and minerals and is even said to promote intestinal health thanks to prebiotic fiber.

The experienced founding team, which has already co-founded companies such as Westwing, Fashionette and InterNations, is asking for 500,000 euros for eight percent of the company shares. While some of the lions are impressed by the team and the vision, an intense discussion breaks out about the valuation. A heated duel develops between Frank Thelen and Janna Ensthaler. Thelen emphasizes his scaling experience, Ensthaler her expertise in precision fermentation. In the end, the founders have to decide who to trust with their future.

DOGGYBIRTHDAY: Birthdays for dogs

Nadine Peters and Pamela Tinnemeyer from Jesteburg have created DOGGYBIRTHDAY, a brand that aims to celebrate dogs' birthdays. Their range includes grain-free cake mixes, natural confetti made from coconut flakes, dog champagne and matching party accessories.

We don't just sell products, we sell emotions!

Pamela Tinnemeyer, co-founder of DOGGYBIRTHDAY

The founders see a gap in the market: Around ten million dogs live in Germany, but until now there was no established brand for this emotional occasion. The two are offering 20 percent of their company for 50,000 euros and hope to establish the US trend of dog parties in Germany with the support of a lion.

SKYNOPOLY: The sky as a new business model

With SKYNOPOLY, lawyer Dr. Conrad Dreier from Dortmund presents an unusual concept: a platform for marketing overflight rights for logistics drones. In future, landowners will be able to rent out their previously unused "airspace" to drone operators.

The start-up is supported by soccer legend Oliver Kahn, who contributes a video message as a testimonial. Dreier is asking for 100,000 euros for a five percent stake in the company and describes SKYNOPOLY as a legal framework for a new infrastructure above our heads. The question is whether the lions believe in the market for airspace rental and will invest the necessary capital.

Chrambl: The comeback of the soap emperor

Austrian founder Alexander Kraml returns after his first appearance in season 2 with a new product: "Chrambl", a sustainable multi-wash cube that allows up to five washes in a reusable cotton bag. His goal: less plastic, less packaging and lower emissions. And, according to him, with full washing power.

Kraml, who is making a fresh start after insolvency and personal setbacks, is asking for 125,000 euros for 15 percent of the company shares. With his imperial appearance and the motto " Falling down is no problem". He not only wants to win over the lions, but also celebrate his entrepreneurial comeback.

alangu: Accessibility through sign language avatars

With alangu from Cologne, Alexander Stricker and Christina Schäfer want to break down digital barriers for the deaf. Their AI-based software automatically translates content into sign language with the help of 3D avatars that are animated using motion capture data. This enables local authorities to provide accessible information on ID cards or leisure activities, for example.

Our vision is a digital world that is truly accessible to everyone

Alexander Stricker

The team is asking for 900,000 euros for ten percent of the company shares. Christina Schäfer, herself an expert in sign language, says:"We develop by the community - for the community." The lions have to decide whether they want to invest in this inclusive technology.

An emotional season finale with strong messages

The finale of "Die Höhle der Löwen" once again shows the breadth of the German start-up scene, from food tech and sustainability to legal tech, inclusion and robotics, on German television. In addition to commercial success strategies, this episode also focuses on courage, vision and social added value.

Ralf Dümmel, who is one of the most popular lions, is also unclear. It is not without good reason that the phrase"Dümmel will be back in a minute!" has become firmly anchored in viewers' vocabulary. It is now known that he is working on his own show on Sat1 entitled "Die Millionenshow". This is due to be broadcast from 2026. At the time of writing, we were unable to find out whether he will continue to appear on DHDL.