Christian Jäger has been a successful, full-blooded entrepreneur for over 30 years and leads a broadly diversified corporate group that stands for innovative strength and entrepreneurial courage. In the new season of “2 Minutes 2 Million,” Jäger focuses on the megatrend healthness, while remaining open to exciting surprises: “The megatrend healthness is one of the defining investment themes for me – also this season. I am particularly interested in business models that sustainably contribute to people’s ‘health account’ – whether through fitness, nutrition, longevity, or responsible innovations. Concepts that think about health holistically and also integrate sustainability are especially attractive to me. At the same time, I remain open to surprises if a pitch convinces me economically and creates real added value.”
Official press release:
Austrians as proof of concept, record-breaking start-ups, and new dynamics within the investor team shape the 13th season of the PULS 4 start-up show. Premiere on February 10 on JOYN & PULS 4.
Vienna, January 20, 2026. New rules for the PULS 4 start-up show: When the 13th season of “2 Minutes 2 Million” launches on February 10, not only the high-caliber panel of investors will have a voice—this time, all of Austria will too. For the first time, founders will not only have to prove themselves to the investors within two minutes, but will also be evaluated through accompanying market surveys and market tests, the results of which will be presented on the show. Austrians thus become a real proof of concept: a sentiment barometer that can accelerate investments—or cause ideas to fail.
Founding boom in Austria: From hundreds of applications, once again more than 50 start-ups make it in front of the cameras. Over the past 13 years, more than 91 million euros have already been invested in domestic innovations through “2 Minutes 2 Million.” Most recently, the show set a milestone: with 4 million euros for SUN Minimeal, Christian Jäger achieved the highest single investment in the history of the format. Will this record be surpassed this year, and which idea will convince the investors to open their wallets?
More female founders, fresh momentum in the investor team: More and more women are founding companies in Austria—a positive signal for the start-up market and a trend also reflected in “2 Minutes 2 Million.” And not only among the start-ups: the investor lineup will also see movement in 2026. A special surprise brings new dynamics to the investors’ chairs. The proven circle of business angels around Katharina Schneider, Eveline Steinberger, Christian Jäger, Mathias Muther, Alexander Schütz, and Erich Falkensteiner is once again ready to invest with capital, know-how, and market reality. Between emotional pitches, tough negotiations, and surprising alliances, a new tone emerges: rarely has there been so much wit, team spirit, and at the same time competition.
The voices of the investors
Premedio CEO Katharina Schneider focuses particularly on innovations in the health sector:
“Health is our most valuable asset. My focus is on prevention and empowerment—start-ups should create real value for people and help shape a sustainable healthcare system.”
Innovation expert Eveline Steinberger is looking for more than just good ideas:
“I am convinced by the combination of entrepreneurial courage, technological innovation, and the ambition to make a lasting economic and social impact.”
Self-made millionaire Christian Jäger continues to focus on the health trend:
“Business models that sustainably contribute to people’s health account—from fitness and nutrition to longevity—are particularly exciting to me.”
Business heavyweight Alexander Schütz concentrates on visions with long-term transformative potential:
“I support innovative minds whose concepts can sustainably change markets.”
Successful entrepreneur Mathias Muther focuses on founders who pitch with true conviction and fully stand behind their idea:
“In two minutes, it is decided whether an idea becomes a business. For me, passion and belief in the vision are what count.”
Hotelier and tourism entrepreneur Erich Falkensteiner emphasizes the importance of timing and strong partners in building a successful business:
“The right moment and the right sparring partners are crucial—and that is exactly what I want to give founders.”
What happened to the millions?
In addition to new ideas, the season also looks back: What became of the biggest deals in the show’s history? How have start-ups developed after their appearance—and which investments have proven themselves in the market? “2 Minutes 2 Million” continues to follow success stories such as SUN Minimeal and shows how sustainable companies emerge from TV pitches.
With its focus on market reality, records, and audience participation, “2 Minutes 2 Million” once again underscores its role in 2026 as a driving force of the Austrian start-up scene.
“2 Minutes 2 Million – The PULS 4 Start-Up Show” from Tuesday, February 10, at 8:15 p.m. on PULS 4 & JOYN
Images © PULS 4 Gerry Frank
