Corona has thrown the world into disarray: the foundation of business models is being lost and economic performance is collapsing dramatically. “The Lion's Den” is just a TV show - but at this time it is also an important signal that we should not underestimate the power of entrepreneurship.

It was just a few months ago when we spoke of a “slump” when economic output fell by two percent. Wow, what times those were – it seems as if the grandparents were talking about the past. Now closed shops, canceled events and stalled supply chains are causing a slump of ten percent - and at a record pace. There is already talk of a once-in-a-century recession. Millions of employees need short-time working benefits. And it's not just restaurants that are facing a wave of bankruptcies. It's a surreal, crazy time. Can a TV show like “The Lion’s Den”, whose new season is now starting, change anything? Sure, that would be asking too much. But I'm sure: DHDL is coming at the right time! Because we have long relied – often rightly – on the state that saves, protects and helps. Now we need another signal.

Because who and what is it about? About BRAVE founders who sometimes put everything on one card and venture into the lion's enclosure in the truest sense of the word. The young women and men could have withdrawn during the worst economic crisis in decades and saved their business idea “for better times”. Or - which many friends and relatives have certainly advised you to do - be able to save yourself in a permanent job (or not give it up in the first place). But they did the opposite. They are ready to show themselves. to tell your story. To say: This is me. And that's my idea! I don't rely on others, but rather make the most of this time - and perhaps help us all get through it more quickly.

I hope that our founders will be an inspiration for all of us in these difficult times. Because we now need people who take responsibility. For yourself, but also for employees. Maybe the times are particularly good for it right now.

It is at least no coincidence that some of the most valuable companies in the world, such as Apple, Microsoft and Disney, were founded in times of crisis. In the last serious downturn before Corona, the financial crisis of 2008/2009, start-ups like Uber, Airbnb and WhatsApp came to light, which are now indispensable.

In times like these, when the ground becomes soft and certainties disappear, hands-on founders can play to their strengths: Creativity is now required. Now it is important to change business models and processes so that we emerge from this crisis stronger. This can be seen impressively in the healthcare industry, for example. Who would have thought a few months ago that we would be able to visit the doctor via video and receive just as good advice and care digitally. Only: without a long journey to the practice or endless sitting in the waiting room. Digitalization can also bring about an enormous boost in innovation in education. For a long time, education politicians did not recognize any pressure to act. Now reality kicked us out of our comfort zone. And it is no longer a question of whether to react, but rather how.

Yes, I am firmly convinced that times in which we are fundamentally challenged hold enormous potential. Because we are forced to reflect on our strongest character trait: the ability that lies within each of us to rise above ourselves when the situation demands it.

And that's exactly how the founders of DHDL approach it. That's why I really hope that they become an inspiration in a time that demands extraordinary things from us.

"Blows of fate are a part of life, even if of course it doesn't have to be a global pandemic. At DHDL I have experienced many founders who had a break in their CV that prompted them to take a new path."