Peanut baby bag deal with Janna Ensthaler falls through after TV show
Pediatrician Katharina Schroth and her husband Caspar secured an investment offer from Janna Ensthaler on the German startup show „Die Höhle der Löwen“ for their infant side-positioning bag, Peanut, priced at 249 euros. The founders say yes immediately on camera, but the deal falls through after the show.”
The 249-Euro Infant Carrier Developed by a Pediatrician
Katharina Schroth, a 50-year-old mother of four and working pediatrician, designed the Peanut bag alongside her 51-year-old husband Caspar, a lawyer and notary. Together with her husband Caspar Schroth (51), who works as a lawyer and notary, she therefore developed Peanut. The product emerged from a device Schroth built years prior for hip ultrasound examinations in her medical practice. She observed that infants placed in a side-positioning arrangement settled down rapidly, prompting inquiries from parents seeking a commercial equivalent. The founders brought the product to the television stage seeking 100,000 euros in exchange for a 20 percent stake in their enterprise.
Peanut targets infants from birth to approximately six months old. The founders say in the pitch: We have cracked the nut on how babies can be bedded in a calming and safe side position.
From birth to the sixth month Peanut is intended for babies from birth to about the sixth month. The design aims to secure babies in a safe lateral position, alleviate pressure on the back of the head, and prevent flat head syndrome. Manufacturing is split between Germany near Hamburg and Istanbul, Turkey. While the retail price is set at 249 euros, the founders stated that production expenses run around 50 euros per unit.
Investors Reject Pitch over Market Size and Scope
Several panel members declined to participate during the pitch. Frank Thelen praised the product design but stated it fell outside his investment scope, noting his lack of involvement with baby products. Andreas W. Herb echoed similar sentiments regarding his own unfamiliarity with the sector, expressing hesitation over the complexities parents face. Ralf Dümmel withdrew due to market size concerns, pointing to declining birth rates in Germany as a barrier to mass-market volume and sales velocity. Judith Williams advised the founders to further differentiate their brand from existing market alternatives before exiting the funding round.
Janna Ensthaler ultimately stepped forward with a counterproposal. Citing a lack of modern, medically grounded childcare brands dedicated to early childhood in Germany, Ensthaler offered 10,000 euros for 25 percent of the company shares. The founders need not think long. The founders accepted the proposal immediately on camera without prior consultation.
Founders Sell Peanut Through Proprietary E-Commerce Platform
The founders similarly acknowledged the breakdown while noting they retained valuable insights from the exchange. Peanut remains available to consumers through the founders’ proprietary e-commerce platform.