Die Höhle der Löwen episode 2 20:15 on VOX

On September 1 at 8:15 pm on VOX, the second episode of the new season of "Die Höhle der Löwen" begins. Founders from all over Germany will present their innovations, from healthy food to sustainable everyday products and high-tech solutions. In addition to personal stories and plenty of entrepreneurial spirit, a special offer causes a stir in this episode: 200,000 euros for just two percent of company shares. Never before in the history of the show have so few shares been offered.

Miss Mineva's healthy packet soup rethought

With her food start-up Miss Mineva's, Bielefeld-based founder Minever Zevker (42) presents a modern interpretation of the classic packet soup. Based on fermented pulses, vegetables and herbs, she creates protein- and fiber-rich soup powders inspired by traditional tarhana soup. Three varieties "Pumpkin Garam Masala","Tomato, Pepper, Herbs and Pea" and"Mint, Coconut" are already in the range. For her vision of making healthy everyday cooking suitable for the masses, she is offering the lions 10% of the company shares for 200,000 euros.

At first glance, fermented foods seem like a very sensible idea. However, it is worth taking a closer look at the other ingredients.

Jenny Herbst, MA Nutritionist

New battle format

A new format is celebrating its premiere this season: two start-ups compete directly against each other. Only the team that impresses in 60 seconds will get more time with the investors and thus the chance of an investment.

• Capsello (Schmelz): Founder and dentist Christian Flasch (55) is developing a hygienic toothbrush box including a mouthwash cup. Offer: 80,000 euros for a 20% stake.
• Radanker (Engstingen): Brothers Gerd (58) and Achim Christner (65) present a storage solution for bicycles without a stand. Offer: 70,000 euros for 20 % shares.

hey mela: vegan pregnancy test

The biotech start-up hey mela from Hanover is focusing on a solution without animal suffering. Founder Stephanie Pfeil-Coenen (35), Dr. Alina Eilers (31) and Stanislaus Hans (35) have developed a rapid test whose antibodies are produced with the help of diatoms. The first application: a vegan pregnancy test. With their offer of 200,000 euros for two percent of company shares, the trio is demanding a record valuation. The founders want to redefine the global standard for antibody tests with their method.

Plantsalt: less sodium, more minerals

The Berlin team Lucia Scheffner (24), Daniel Siebert (32) and Dr. Karl Schlumbach (38) want to solve the nutritional problem of "too much salt" with BettaSalt. The plant-based mineral salt contains up to 50% less sodium and is enriched with important minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iodine. Offer to the lions: 350,000 euros for ten percent of the company shares. While the taste test is convincing, the company valuation causes critical discussions.

Mamaye: East African cuisine in a jar

With Mamaye, founders Yemi Desalegn (34) and Bahleby Tewelde (38) from Neu-Isenburg are bringing vegan, seasoned food in a jar to Germany. Inspired by East African family recipes and spice blends such as berbere, they want to bring authentic dishes in organic quality to supermarkets. They are offering ten percent of their company shares for 150,000 euros. In addition to the taste, the emotional family story behind the start-up is also impressive.

The concept could be quite exciting due to its antioxidant properties, and more variety in the kitchen is also to be welcomed in principle. Ultimately, however, price and taste will determine whether it is successful with the target group.

Katrin Kusche, nutritionist MA

Founders' lounge shows emotions behind the scenes

Insights into the new founders' lounge show how emotional the preparations are: final pitch rehearsals, family support and palpable nervousness shortly before the presentation.

It is to be welcomed that Die Höhle der Löwen now provides more insights behind the scenes. A more realistic picture of the start-up scene would do the format a lot of good overall and could help to correct public perception somewhat. The new, condensed battle format also contributes to a healthy arc of suspense and brings additional dynamism to the show.