Paderborn start-ups shine in The Lion’s Den”: success or flop?

Paderborn start-ups shine in The Lion’s Den”: success or flop?

Today, September 4, 2025, we can look forward to exciting news from the start-up scene. The spotlight is on two innovative teams from the garage33, the renowned start-up center of the University of Paderborn. These two young companies present their creative business ideas on the popular TV show “The Lions’ Den”.

The Bielefeld start-up “Miss Mineva’s” presented its idea on VOX on September 1st. The company, founded by Minever Zevker, is revolutionizing fermentation and offering healthy, wholesome meals - including delicious soups and cups that are vegan, gluten-free and without artificial additives. It can be prepared in just a few minutes, and the health benefits of fermentation are impressive: they ensure better nutrient absorption and strengthen the intestinal and immune systems. Zevker herself describes her participation in the show as a very special experience.

The highlight of the coming week

Another exciting start-up from the garage33 is supported is “STEETS”. This team consists of Phil Janßen, Philipp Battisti and Thorben Engel, who developed an innovative addition to walking aids. Inspired by his grandmother's walking aids, they designed an additional module that extends support feet and provides more stability. Your oldest test user, grandfather Heinz Schlechtingen, 98 years old, will also be featured in the show. Investor Frank Thelen was already enthusiastic about the idea. On September 8th at 8:15 p.m., viewers can see whether the founding team closes a deal. The episode is also available on RTL+.

But it's not just the teams from garage33 that enrich the start-up landscape. Also the Detmold start-up lynes GmbH will be featured on the show. Tobias and Sven, who launched the lynes app in 2021, are looking forward to their appearance on May 22nd. Your app takes a climate-friendly approach to mobility and rewards users with points that can be exchanged for vouchers and discounts from partner companies. The young company benefits from active start-up coaching and was awarded the NRW start-up scholarship.

Start-up grant NRW – support for innovative ideas

The Start-up grant NRW is an initiative of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia to promote innovative business start-ups. Founders in the area of ​​future-oriented technologies and services can expect support here in the preparation and implementation phase of their business idea. The scholarship offers 1,200 euros per month per person for up to one year to cover living expenses or investments in the start-ups and also provides access to valuable coaching from accredited start-up networks.

Interested founders should act quickly, because the next jury meetings will take place on September 5th in Mönchengladbach and September 9th in Dortmund. Here you can present your ideas and apply for financial support. These opportunities provide the perfect platform to introduce new, creative concepts to an experienced audience and take the first step towards a successful future.

The startup ecosystem in North Rhine-Westphalia is strong and offers numerous opportunities for fresh ideas and innovative minds. Questions about participating in the scholarships or supporting start-ups can be directed to the relevant networks - because now every flash of creative thought counts!