Last year, Isabella and Lianne joined the Maker Faire 2025 Dragon’s Den and won €750 with their pitch for Spelletje Lellen: a playful concept that gives existing toys a second life.
Their mission? To help children rediscover the toys they already have, spark their imagination and create endless playtime without endless new purchases.
One year later, Spelletje Lellen has taken some big steps: their first book has officially been published and is now being sold in several shops in Delft.
We asked Isabella and Lianne how winning the Dragon’s Den helped bring their idea to life.
How did it feel to win the Maker Faire Dragon’s Den?
For Isabella and Lianne, winning felt fantastic. It was especially meaningful to see that their mission resonated with both the jury and the visitors. They had already tested their idea a lot, but winning the prize gave them an extra boost and confirmed that the problem they are addressing is widely recognised.
What did you do with the €750 prize?
They used the prize money for their very first print run. Publishing a book independently can come with high upfront costs, so the €750 helped them bring their product to families sooner.
Did winning the prize set anything in motion for Spelletje Lellen?
Yes, definitely. The prize allowed them to publish their first print run earlier than expected. It also brought them attention from interested future customers and potential partners.
What has changed most since Maker Faire?
Their book has now officially been published and is being sold in several shops in Delft. For Isabella and Lianne, this has been a big and exciting step that they are very proud of.