# Startups on Die Höhle der Löwen

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/startups-on-die-hhle-der-lwen
> Updated: 2026-10-19T05:06:44.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Various entrepreneurs have appeared on the German television show ‘Die Höhle der Löwen’ to seek investment for their products.

Susanne and Bernd Schmekel presented the ‘Sauberkugel’, a washable, sticky cleaning ball designed to remove dust and crumbs from surfaces. The couple reported significant commercial success, having generated 8 million euros in revenue and sold over 1.5 million units globally.

Nicolas Lutz and Maximilian Koeser of Kölsche Koks presented a ready-to-drink Espresso Martini liqueur. Seeking 600,000 euros for a 10 percent stake, the founders aim to expand their vegan and gluten-free product from their local Cologne market to customers across Germany and Austria. Already known in the Cologne gastronomy scene for their ‘Zappes’ beer, the entrepreneurs developed the liqueur to address logistical challenges in bars where high cocktail demand makes individual preparation difficult.

The product is designed for professional use in 0.7-liter bottles or for individual service in 0.02-liter shot bottles. Despite presenting impressive sales figures and a successful tasting—which prompted investor Ralf Dümmel to try the drink despite his usual abstinence from alcohol—the founders left the show without securing a deal.

## Claims

- Nicolas Lutz and Maximilian Koeser are the founders of the brand 'Kölsche Koks'. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The founders developed 'Kölsche Koks' as a ready-to-serve Espresso Martini liqueur. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The product is available in 0.7-liter bottles for gastronomy and 0.02-liter shot bottles. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The founders failed to secure a deal on the television show 'Die Höhle der Löwen'. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Kölsche Koks founders pitch Espresso Martini liqueur on ‘Die Höhle der Löwen’

Entrepreneurs Nicolas Lutz and Maximilian Koeser pitched their Espresso Martini liqueur, ‘Kölsche Koks’, on ‘Die Höhle der Löwen’ but failed to secure an investment deal.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klsche-koks-founders-pitch-espresso-martini-liqueur-on-die-hhle-der-lwen

### 2026-10-16: Kölsche Koks seeks 600,000 euros on Die Höhle der Löwen

Kölsche Koks founders Nicolas Lutz and Maximilian Koeser are seeking 600,000 euros for a 10 percent stake in their ready-to-drink Espresso Martini business on ‘Die Höhle der Löwen’.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/klsche-koks-seeks-600000-euros-on-die-hhle-der-lwen

### 2026-09-28: Schmekel couple brings successful Sauberkugel to Höhle der Löwen

Inventors Susanne and Bernd Schmekel brought their successful ‘Sauberkugel’ cleaning product to ‘Höhle der Löwen’ after generating 8 million euros in revenue.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/schmekel-couple-brings-successful-sauberkugel-to-hhle-der-lwen

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Cite as: Startups on Die Höhle der Löwen. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/startups-on-die-hhle-der-lwen