In episode six, uncontrollable emotions come crashing down. Right in the middle of the emotional chaos: Dagmar Wöhrl and Judith Williams. When it comes to dementia, the two lionesses can no longer hold back their tears.
The passionate founder, the innovative product, the enticing prospect, the perfect pitch: On the hunt for the ultimate deal, the lions are confronted with common search patterns week after week. In addition to the standardized format structures, however, the unforeseeable occasionally pushes into the limelight. This time, suddenly emerging, very personal and profound emotions create an unprecedented atmosphere in the lion’s den.
In episode six, many things are going their usual way. For example, Regale-King Ralf Dümmel bags two new deals. The Hanseatic collaboration machine will soon be offering: a nose shaver (“SilkslidePro”) “with which you can gently, safely and thoroughly remove nose hair in no time at all without batteries” and a kit for cats (“Catrub”) that can be individually adapted and is “multifunctional”. to bring joy to every cat household.
Carsten Maschmeyer and Dagmar Wöhrl also have reason to celebrate. Together with the two student nerds and tech inventors Genia Lewitzki and Chuong Nguyen from Essen (“Campus Hero”), the lions are embarking on a future-oriented campus revolution. The two investors are putting a whopping EUR 600,000 into an impressive and fascinating communication app for students.
In addition to many happy founders, there are of course also some disappointed inventors. This time the two “MEMOBILD” managers Hakan and Melike Zirek are on the losing side. The Hamburgers have souvenir pictures in their luggage, which, equipped with personal audio tracks, should ensure that neither the ceremonial “I do” nor the first babble of the youngsters is forgotten. “A funny idea, but somehow not more than that,” says Löwin Wöhrl on behalf of all investors present.
With the entry of TV dog trainer Martin Rütter and the “Ichó” founders Steffen Preuß, Mario Kascholke, Alkje Stuhlmann and Eleftherios Efthimiadis, however, the mood changes. The Duisburg quartet has developed a therapy ball that is equipped with five highly developed sensors and is able to slow down the progression of the disease in people with dementia. The astonishment at the ball shining in many colors is great. But the issue goes much deeper.
When the well-known quadruped expert reveals his own mother’s story of suffering, Wöhrl has to swallow several times. At some point nothing works anymore. The lioness gets up in the middle of the pitch and leaves the studio in tears. Seconds later, colleague Williams also gets glassy eyes: “I’ve been everywhere looking for help, but I haven’t found anything,” sobs the lioness.
Wöhrl and Williams unintentionally open their private family book and give the public a glimpse behind the glittering facade. Dementia and Alzheimer’s do not stop at celebrities and wealth. The viewer experiences a poignant moment of helplessness and powerlessness.
What remains despite the lack of a deal (there are still no verifiable studies on the therapy ball) is the realization that nothing beats the health and well-being of loved ones. Every three seconds someone in the world gets dementia. Williams and Wöhrl explain that they are also affected in the immediate family circle. Instead of keeping their composure and biting their lips, the two lionesses open their sad hearts. Right now they are building a bridge for millions of people who are also affected.
