Jochen Schweizer back at “DHDL”: Reunion with Frank Thelen “was relaxed”

After leaving the VOX founder show “Die Höhle der Löwen” (since 2014), Jochen Schweizer (67) is returning as an investor for the anniversary episode (fourth broadcast of the season on September 23, 8:15 p.m. on VOX or RTL+). He is also returning with “original lion” Frank Thelen (48), who was critical of Schweizer after he left the show in 2016. “The way Jochen left the show was not fair in my opinion,” he said, among other things.

In an interview with the news agency spot on news, Schweizer reveals how he gets on with Thelen and the other lionesses and lions today, what his comeback was like, what memories he has of the show and whether he would return to the format in the long term.

From 2014 to 2016 you were in the “Lion’s Den”. What prompted you to make a comeback for the anniversary?

Jochen Schweizer: I was asked if I wanted to take part in the anniversary episode and I wanted to get into the ring again to pass on my very personal experiences. Another motivation was to use this participation to champion the “made in Germany” seal of quality. Germany is the country of poets and thinkers – full of innovators and visionaries who can change the world. We should appreciate that.

What were your plans for your return? Did you want to do anything differently?

Schweizer: No. Because no matter what you tackle in life, whether professionally or privately, nothing is really worth striving for if it is not done in accordance with your own values. In my personal compass of values, values ​​such as integrity, independence, freedom and credibility rank highest. This means that in my role as an investor, I must always act in accordance with my own values ​​and wishes – this is the only way to make authentic investments.

In the “Lion’s Den” viewers got to know the face behind the brand. What lasting influence did the show have on you?

Schweizer: The show showed me how much interest there is in the start-up world. When the show started in 2014, it was the first opportunity for many viewers to gain a deeper insight into economic processes and the challenges faced by founders. My philosophy as an entrepreneur is that business planning must always be in line with the founder’s life plan. Only those who know and live their personal values ​​can be successful in the long term. This holistic view is important to me and I am pleased that I was able to convey it in the show.

Do you still work with start-ups from your time on “The Lion’s Den”?

Schweizer: No, following my original life plan, when I turned 60 I not only sold the majority of my group of companies, but also withdrew from all “DHDL” investments.

If someone hasn’t followed your path after “DHDL” closely: To what extent are you still active as an entrepreneur and investor today, in addition to the Jochen Schweizer Arena?

Schweizer: I am still active as an entrepreneur and investor and am very happy to follow the fortunes of the Jochen Schweizer Arena, a large event location in the south of Munich. As the owner, I am involved there with a 20 million euro equity investment. I have just made another significant investment in a photovoltaic energy park project. On 52,000 square meters, we will generate around 6.2 gigawatts of electricity per year from solar energy and, among other things, will convert the Jochen Schweizer Arena in Taufkirchen near Munich completely to solar power using a direct line. For our corporate events, this means that hundreds of companies that use the arena as an event location can classify their events as carbon neutral. I am also increasingly involved as a mentor to help people achieve their personal and professional goals, and my new book “The Jochen Schweizer Principle – how to become the person who solves all your problems”, which will be published on September 24th, is particularly close to my heart.

Your departure from “The Lion’s Den” caused a huge media reaction, you were accused of having an “ego problem” and of no longer getting along with your fellow lions. How do you look back on it today?

Schweizer: Behind the scenes, things were more collegial than is reflected in these reports. I have a friendly relationship with Ralf Dümmel and Lencke Wischhusen. I would describe the relationship between Carsten Maschmeyer and me as neutral and respectful. The huge media response to my departure was not least due to the fact that I was the most popular lion, according to market research, leaving the show. The fact that I had informed the station and the production team, but not my fellow lions, about my departure before sending out the press release prompted some lions to publicly criticize me.

Frank Thelen, who is also making a “DHDL” comeback, also spoke negatively about you after you left. What is your relationship with him like today and how was it when you met him again? Was there perhaps a discussion?

Schweizer: I have not commented publicly on Frank Thelen’s statements in the past and will not do so now. Our reunion was relaxed, I am not a vindictive person. A discussion was therefore not necessary.

How was the encounter with the other lions and lionesses?

Schweizer: It felt like a class reunion with old colleagues. Ralf Dümmel in particular welcomed me with open arms. And in this context, I am very pleased that Ralf replaced me as the most popular lion after I left.

In a preview clip for the anniversary episode, you said it was like “coming home.” What gave you that feeling?

Schweizer: It’s the people who are involved in the show – the lions, the founders and the whole team and of course the fact that I was able to sit in my usual chair next to the fire again. All of this gave me the feeling of “coming home”.

What has changed in the show since you left?

Schweizer: Today, founders are much more precise and prepare better. You can see this in storytelling, for example – and that is extremely important, because what use is a good business idea if the founder’s personality is not inspiring? In addition, founders do their homework better, especially when it comes to business figures.

Did you continue to follow the show and the work of your colleagues after you left?

Schweizer: Yes, I am still a big fan of the show and I always enjoy tuning in.

After you left, you also expressed criticism of the show, for example saying in a podcast in 2022 that it was a show and not really the truth. How do you see that today?

Schweizer: I don’t see this as a criticism of this great format, but as a factual statement. Because in a regular pitch situation, nobody would promise an investment of hundreds of thousands of euros to a previously unknown person within an hour without having checked the substance of the presentation. But in this TV show, it makes perfect sense because it’s about the “edutainment” factor for the viewers and as a lion, I consciously went along with it.

Could you imagine a long-term comeback to the show?

Schweizer: I will deal with this question when it arises.

You also work as a speaker and will soon be releasing a new book. It is about solving your own problems. When and why did you have the desire to pass on your experiences and knowledge?

Schweizer: I am now 68 years old and therefore probably in the last third of my life. I would like to pass on the knowledge that I have gained in all the years of my eventful life as a stuntman, adventurer, entrepreneur, investor and family man. Because many people feel overwhelmed by the current crises – and this is exactly where my new book comes in. It is intended to be a wake-up call that motivates and enables readers to take their lives, their happiness and their destiny into their own hands. Now more than ever, it is more important to act decisively.