Die Höhle der Löwen - appearance from the founder's point of view Lockcard

Founders Aaron Rau and Jonas Weber won over investors Ralf Dümmel and Carsten Maschmeyer in "Die Höhle der Löwen" with their Lockcard Wallet. Now they have released a fascinating video in which they give their perspective on the gig.

Rare insights into the DHDL process.

The founders' video offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the show "Die Höhle der Löwen." They meticulously describe their application attempts, the contacting and the actual recording of the episode. Topics such as the development of the set and the aftermath of the show are also openly communicated to the young target audience on social media. A highlight worth watching is the comparison between the first and second application video for participation in DHDL.

The Lockcard Wallet from DHDL

Lockcard offers a slim wallet that, unlike traditional wallets, has additional modular slots for keys, cards, cash and a locator chip. The flexible design allows users to store cards and coins in an organized manner and eliminate the need for a key ring altogether without making the wallet bulky.

The slim wallet has been able to reach a loyal market of true fans of the product, mainly due to strong appearances on social media. The high quality of the original Aluwallet further solidified customer loyalty and generated positive feedback. This was demonstrated by real sales successes in the self-launched online store. With the broadcast of the show, the company switched to a plastic product, which is currently marketed on the floor by retailers Netto and Kaufland, among others.

After the broadcast

In a very short time after the broadcast, the online store was sold out and the product could initially only be purchased through Amazon and retailers. The success was somewhat slowed down when the first critical comments appeared under the videos. Themes here are mainly:

• different pricing on the surface and online trade
• the discontinued sale of the aluminum variant
• safety concerns
• customer demands on the feel and quality of the product

Despite the critical environment on the Internet, the founders draw a consistently positive conclusion from their participation in "Die Höhle der Löwen".

Social media presence

It is remarkable how professionally and successfully the Lockcard team handles communication online. Comments are answered openly and objectively, and the team is eager to provide information and explain specific issues. For example, according to the team, the Aluwallet, which is in high demand, will be back on the market in May. Also in a comment it is explained that the 2,40 € production costs mentioned in the transmission only the used up river and Filament of the 3D-Drucks quantify themselves, but no costs of packing & dispatch, as well as wages contain. Other startups have to go through rigorous training to reach this level of external communication.

On social media channels, the founders have so far generated TikTok 291,000 followers, Instagram 25,900, and YouTube 18,700. (As of April 16, 2023). While TikTok was the biggest revenue driver until a few months ago, Youtube has now clearly gained the upper hand, according to an OMR article. This seems surprising at first glance, however, after research, a fast-growing secondary channel for Youtube shorts can be found with 79,600 followers.

Open questions and alternatives

According to their own statements, the founders of Lockcards are currently concentrating primarily on further product development and have announced further video insights into production and development.

Open questions mainly concern the security concerns when the wallet is lost. It is doubted whether it is a good idea to keep keys and ID together with the address. It is also often remarked that no car key fits in the keycard and that there is only room for two normal keys. However, the keycard and the modular structure are precisely the wallet's USP.

Although there are other providers of small wallets, they do not achieve the modular overall scope of the Lockcard. For example, if you don't want to use the key card, you might like the Slim Wallet NAGA from Magati. In the smallest possible space, it offers a real money compartment, a classic wallet design and space for up to 12 cards. The built-in card slider also allows for direct access.

The magic wallet, which is offered by various manufacturers and is considerably cheaper, is probably far better known. Like Lockcard, it is also a mini wallet and also works with elastic bands. The special feature is that banknotes can be inserted loosely and after the wallet is closed, they are clamped tightly behind the bands as if by magic. Heesen's Slim Wallets also offer an option for a small, yet practical wallet.