The Lion's Den fifth episode on September 22nd

On Monday, September 22, the current season of "Die Höhle der Löwen" enters its fifth round. From 20:15 on VOX, viewers can once again look forward to a mixture of passion, emotion and clever innovations.

Family recipe meets investors: Alla Mamma from Regensburg

Guido Mondi (67) and his daughter Sarina (17) bring real Italian pasta dishes to the cave with Alla Mamma. Their recipes are based on over 40 years of experience in their own restaurant in Regensburg. The range already includes 21 varieties, from classics such as spaghetti bolognese to gluten-free options.

The pasta contains no additives, has a long shelf life and can be prepared in just a few minutes. The taste of the duo is impressive:"This is the tastiest thing that has ever come out of a microwave!" praises one of the investors. At the same time, there are also critical voices:"21 varieties are too many. It's better to concentrate on what makes you truly unique."

More self-determination in old age: EazyStep from Hanover

The founding team Ayub Elsanukaev and Alexander Banchukov present EazyStep. This is a rail system with a seat that gives senior citizens and people with physical disabilities more safety in the bathroom. The costs are covered by health insurance, as the product is considered a measure to improve the living environment.

You have to move. If you just sit in an armchair, nothing happens.

Carmen Fensch (84), tester on the show

The founders receive support during the pitch from two senior citizens who demonstrate EazyStep live. The lions react with interest, but are critical when it comes to scaling and costs.

Practical invention for every household: Vlippy from Hamburg

The couple Bianca and Malte Fürstenberg have developed the Vlippy door and window stopper with pinch protection. It protects children's hands from accidents and prevents windows and doors from slamming shut. It is simply attached with an adhesive pad or screws.

The lions praise its suitability for everyday use. The founders score points not only with their product, but also with humor when they present a specially designed golden Vlippy trophy. Nevertheless, the question remains as to why you don't simply use a book or newspaper or a classic window clip, which you can buy anywhere for less than 3 euros. From our point of view, the cost of all systems is relatively the same.

Sustainable diaper revolution: kniti from Pliezhausen

The founders Manuela Miller-Feigl and Franziska Nowak want to solve the waste problem of disposable diapers with kniti. Their reusable textile diaper combines environmental friendliness with suitability for everyday use. It is breathable, easy to clean and equipped with a special absorbent fiber.

Your approach is bold and sustainable - that's exactly what we need.

Judith Williams, Lioness

Nevertheless, questions remain about the company's valuation. In the end, Williams gives the two founders one more chance to make improvements. Here, too, we can speak from our own experience. Certainly there is an environmental aspect to disposable diapers as opposed to cloth diapers, but there are two points to address: 1. we cannot estimate the rate of mold in the home with cloth diapers to wash & dry in the winter in rental apartments. Secondly, the enormous investment costs of the individual systems for cloth diapers must also be taken into account. These usually cost between 450 and 800 euros for the basic package and during the lifetime of the diaper there will be some additional purchases for inserts etc. Plus the working time and costs for washing, drying, etc.

Cake with vegetables: BetterCakez from Cologne

Isabelle Forster, a former lawyer, presents her snack cakes BetterCakez. The baked goods are vegan, gluten-free, free from industrial sugar and contain up to 30 percent vegetables.

The lions are positively surprised by the concept.

Show with Lena Gercke remains a ratings hit

Even apart from the start-up pitches, "Die Höhle der Löwe" remains a strong TV format. The fourth episode of the current season reached an average of 1.12 million viewers. VOX was particularly convincing in the target group of 14 to 49-year-olds with a market share of 11.3 percent, while the figure for 14 to 59-year-olds was 9.7 percent. The start-up show thus continued its successful run and also secured VOX a good daily market share.

Anyone who missed the last episode can stream it at any time on RTL+.