After hanging up his boots following a distinguished 13-year career in professional football, former German international Marvin Plattenhardt is stepping into a new arena: the startup world. The 33-year-old defender,once a stalwart for hertha BSC and a seven-time cap winner for Germany,is making his television comeback not on the pitch,but on the VOX program “Die Höhle der Löwen” (The Lion’s Den),Germany’s answer to “Shark Tank.”

Plattenhardt, alongside his wife Sara, has founded Pinù, a vegan pistachio drink designed as a dairy option.This venture marks a notable pivot from the roar of the stadium crowd to the high-stakes negotiations of the business world. The couple hopes to secure financial backing and strategic partnerships to propel their innovative product.

The Pistachio Passion: From Italian Inspiration to Vegan Beverage

The inspiration for Pinù reportedly struck the Plattenhardts during a trip to Italy in the late summer of 2021. They were captivated by the widespread use of pistachios in Italian cuisine, from delectable pasta dishes and pesto to irresistible croissants filled with pistachio cream. This culinary immersion sparked an idea: why not a drink made from pistachios?

“We really liked the thought of a drink from pistachios… So we decided to accept the challenge and to develop its own milk substitute from pistachios. This is Pinù.”

Marvin and Sara Plattenhardt, Founders of Pinù

This vision led them to embark on the journey of creating Pinù, a plant-based beverage aiming to capture the unique flavor and creamy texture of pistachios in a refreshing, dairy-free format.

A Bold Investment and a High-Stakes Pitch

Plattenhardt, reflecting on his transition from professional sports, expressed his commitment to his new entrepreneurial endeavor. After ending my professional career last year, I look back to 13 years full of formative moments. But now I focus on our start-up. We are convinced that we are more durable than the Dubai chocolate, he stated on the show, drawing a parallel to another popular product that has gained traction on the program.

The couple has already invested a substantial €240,000 of their own capital into Pinù. For their appearance on “The Lion’s Den,” they sought €150,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in the company, valuing their startup at €1.5 million. This enterprising valuation underscores their belief in the product’s potential and market viability.

No Deal, But the Game Continues

Despite the positive reception of their product by the investors, the Plattenhardts ultimately walked away without a deal. While the food startup concept was well-received, none of the “Lions” were convinced enough to invest. This outcome, while disappointing, is not uncommon on such shows, where the decision to invest hinges on a complex interplay of product appeal, market potential, team dynamics, and valuation.

the episode featuring Marvin and Sara Plattenhardt’s pitch aired on Free TV on October 6th and is also available for streaming on RTL+.

This article was developed in collaboration with the sports competence center (WELT, „Bild”, “Sport picture”) and was first published in “Bild.”