Flavored Toothpicks Win Big on German "Shark Tank"

What started as a university project quickly turned into a potential mass-market product: the start-up Pick’em presented flavored toothpicks on the German version of the business show "Shark Tank", called “Die Höhle der Löwen” – and unexpectedly won over all the investors.

According to founders Max Schröpfer, Niklas Terrahe, Folkert Bowler, and Joel Enayat, the slim sticks are not just about dental hygiene – they also help people relax or quit smoking, with a subtle burst of flavor.

Wooden dental care or lifestyle product?

The founders describe Pick’em as a “lifestyle product” that also promotes oral health. Flavor is infused through natural aromas – kind of like a wooden chewing gum. The combination of function and coolness impressed the investors: all of them wanted to invest.

3 lions invest

The final deal came after a brief bidding war: Dagmar Wöhrl and Ralf Dümmel each offered 200,000 € for 15% – matching the founders’ request. But Carsten Maschmeyer, Judith Williams, and Tillmann Schulz teamed up to offer 250,000 € for 20%. After negotiations, they settled on 250,000 € for 17.5%. The trio walked away with the deal.

Strategic Launch: U.S. First, Then Germany

Though developed in Germany, the product first launched in the U.S., where the market for lifestyle items is bigger and more familiar with the concept. The German rollout is now underway, boosted by media buzz from the show and a viral TikTok presence. Pick’em has already racked up millions of views, and even rapper Macklemore tested the product in a video – an international PR win.

Viral gag or the future of oral care?

With viral momentum and a strong investor team behind it, Pick’em has everything it needs for a strong market debut.

Whether flavored toothpicks will become more than just a passing trend remains to be seen – but investors are betting on lasting lifestyle appeal.

Photo via Pickem.store