She was an investment banker – now founder Meltem would like to make an investment in her own start-up. Together with midwives, she developed her breathable baby mattresses, which aim to provide more safety. In “The Lion’s Den”, the 28-year-old gives a convincing presentation. Investors are convinced that, thanks to Meltem’s invention, babies can no longer suffocate in their sleep so easily. And the founder and her style are also well-received – most notably by Ralf Dümmel: “How are you here, how do you present it. You get straight to the point, you have an answer for every question.” But there is also a problem for the “lion”: the company’s rating is too high for him.
Meltem would like to give up 100,000 euros for 12.5 percent. Not enough shares for Dümmel. Instead of making Meltem a new offer, he turns the tables: “Tell me where your pain threshold is.” However, not as a basis for negotiation: Dümmel just gives Meltem that chance to deal.
Founder Meltem agrees: “By not trading I’m not raising a bit, but in a way that you say ‘yes’ because I would love to do that with you.” Instead of 12.5, she is willing to give 30% of her company to Ralf Dümmel for 100,000 euros. Here comes the big surprise: The “Lion” doesn’t want so much: “I’m not taking the 30 percent!” Ralf Dümmel is enough 25 percent, which he wrote down before Meltem’s generous offer. It’s not just the businessman’s eyes that sparkle with joy, as the video above makes clear. (complete)