display

Gaming and television - for years they didn't really go together in Germany.

Who does not remember TV documentaries and talk shows in which young computer gamers were compared with gunmen and parents were warned by gray-haired psychiatrists against excesses of violence.

But the gaming scene has grown up.

Gaming is on the threshold of being recognized as a professional sport and has long been a branch of the economy in its own right.

In 2019, sales of gaming PCs and accessories in this country amounted to 2.35 billion euros.

In addition to investors, this is increasingly attracting founders to the scene.

So it was not surprising that on March 29, the TV show “Die Höhle der Löwen” also featured an esports start-up for the first time.

The brothers and gamers Dominik and Patrick Schmalzried presented their wren M1K on the show, which they say is the lightest and fastest-reacting computer game mouse in the world.

display

With a weight of only 23 grams, the mouse made of carbon weighs five times less than conventional devices and guarantees players particularly high accuracy, the Schmalzrieds explained to the lions.

E-sports start-up: Wren deal burst

With a strategic partner and 100,000 euros, the two business economists wanted to make their brand big and reduce manufacturing costs.

For this they offered 15 percent of their company shares.

And indeed: Investor Carsten Maschmeyer and trade expert Ralf Dümmel were impressed by the potential of the idea.

They initially offered 100,000 euros for a total of 30 percent of the shares in Wren, then agreed with the founders on a 25 percent stake.

The beginning of an esports fairy tale - made by Maschmeyer and Dümmel?

display

Unfortunately, no.

As “Gründerszene” found out, the agreed deal did not materialize after the broadcast.

"Unfortunately, in further discussions it became clear that we do not have the same strategic directions for the future," said near-investor Ralf Dümmel when asked.

It was not more specific.

Not so Carsten Maschmeyer: According to the lion, the deal failed, among other things, due to technical defects in the computer mouse.

"The scroll wheel is essential for many gamers - a tool that Patrick and Dominik did not have."

Maschmeyer: "But it was already too late for us"

The two founders have now taken the feature into account.

"It was already too late for us by then," said Maschmeyer.

However, the two founders would continue to be supported “with advice and action”.

Ralf Dümmel's cancellation was particularly surprising.

With very few exceptions, the retail expert has barely let a deal break after his broadcast debut in 2016.

display

The Zaunkönig founders could not yet be reached at the request of "Gründerszene".

It is unclear whether the computer game mouse can even be ordered when the program is broadcast.

At least on the start-up's website, there was no way to order a device until evening.

After all: with their appearance they did a lot of advertising for the often scolded gaming industry.