Anchor Herb Founders Land Mega Deal - From Spice Startup to Investors: The Lemckes Return to The Lion's Den
The latest episode of The Lion's Den featured a mix of bold inventions and experienced investors. Among the pitches were a cooling device for instant ice baths, a self-adhesive measuring tape, and a kitchen gadget for homemade nut butter. Former entrepreneurs Anne and Stefan Lemcke, who built Ankerkraut into a €50 million business, also returned—this time as investors rather than founders.
Aurel Hampl and Nicolai Trittmann presented a portable cooling unit designed to transform any bathtub into an ice bath. To prove its effectiveness, Anne Lemcke climbed into the chilled water herself. The device aims to make recovery baths more accessible for athletes and wellness enthusiasts.
Vick de Froz Jorge Manuel sought €50,000 for a 20% stake in his self-adhesive measuring tape. Ralf Dümmel showed interest and made an offer, though the final terms were not disclosed.
Amelie and Timo Sperbers pitched a kitchen appliance that turns nuts into fresh nut butter. They asked for €500,000 in exchange for 6.25% of their business. Frank Thelen, Stefan Lemcke, and Anne Lemcke joined forces to invest €500,000—but for a larger 10% share.
Madlen Baetzgen and Christina Schwörbel introduced natural tea extracts to flavour tap water, requesting €150,000 for 10% of their business. Anne Lemcke declined to invest, citing a previous backing of a similar product.
Anne and Stefan Lemcke, once founders of spice startup Ankerkraut, now sit on the investor side. Their company grew rapidly after a 2014 deal with Frank Thelen, who invested €300,000 for 20%. By 2022, Ankerkraut employed 250 people, generated €50 million in revenue, and sold a majority stake to Nestlé. The success turned the Lemckes into investors, marking their return to The Lion's Den in a new role.
The episode highlighted both fresh innovations and the evolving roles of past contestants. Amelie and Timo Sperbers secured a joint investment for their nut butter machine, while other pitchers awaited final decisions. Meanwhile, the Lemckes' shift from founders to investors underscores how The Lion's Den can propel long-term business growth.
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