Iris lands €500K on Die Höhle der Löwen for tamper-proof drink cups
What's the deal? Lucerne-based startup IrisDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has raised €500,000 in an early VC round from investor Andreas Herb on the German TV show Die Höhle der Löwen . Three of the show's five investors made an offer before founders Fabian Christmann and Manuel Borer struck the deal with Herb.
What does the company do? Founded in 2020, Iris makes reusable drink containers. The idea grew from a date-rape drug incident in the founders' circle of friends, prompting them to rethink conventional cups; they built a thermal mug with a lockable closure and later a modular container.
Where does the money go? The capital splits evenly between equity and a revenue-based loan. Herb brings his investment vehicle HERB Ventures and beverage-marketing group MBG GroupDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, with the funds targeting sales channels, brand development, and international scaling — first across the DACH region.
Why now? Iris is already stocked by several Swiss retailers and is gaining ground abroad. In April, its products entered 68 MüllerDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → stores in Germany and Austria; five months later, Müller expanded availability to 278 stores, plus click-and-collect in every branch.
The signal: The round marks a clear step-up for Iris and stands as Herb's largest commitment on the show to date. Operational collaboration has already begun, pairing an early-stage brand with a partner built for beverage distribution.
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