New investor for Ankerkraut start-up

21 August 2020

EMZ becomes latest investor - founding couple retain majority share

The European private equity company, EMZ Partners, has become the latest investor in the Hamburg-based Ankerkraut start-up known from the VOX TV show "The Lion’s Den”, a press release said Friday (August 7, 2020). The founders, Anne and Stefan Lemcke, have retained a majority share of 51 per cent. The hitherto investors Frank Thelen and Matthias Knälmann remain on board.

Undisclosed investment sum

The investment is subject to regulatory approval. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the investment sum. In 2016, the couple appeared in an episode of the third season of "The Lion's Den". Frank Thelen secured 20 per cent of the shares for EUR 300,000 after their convincing pitch.

Founded in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region in 2013, the company has established itself on the German market with its spices and spice mixtures. Headquartered in Jesteburg, the company say it does not use flavour enhancers, preservatives or artificial colourings. Ankerkraut's office and production facilities are in Hamburg. Plans are now being laid to expand the range of organic products with sauces.
sm/sb/pb