35: Refurbed - how a refurbishing marketplace is resilient against current market economics. Interview with Refurbed Co-founder Kilian Kaminski.

SustainNOW Podcast - Learn from entrepreneurs & scientists about climate solutions

🎙️ Today in SustainNow our guest is Kilian Kaminski: co-founder of Refurbed, one of the fastest growing marketplaces for refurbished products in the DACH region.

In this episode, Kilian shares the inspiring story of Refurbed, from its inception in 2017 with his two co-founders Jürgen Riedl, and Peter Windischhofer, to becoming a leading marketplace for refurbished products. Kilian talks about the challenges and lessons learned from expanding to new countries, the mindset of entrepreneurship, and the need for a failure culture. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and the role of legislation in promoting sustainability.

Kilian shares his personal journey from a stable corporate job to co-founding a startup in the sustainable space and what he recommends to other founders who want to follow his path. He also highlights the impact of regulatory changes, the fight against greenwashing, and the need for more sustainable business practices.

So, if you're interested in the future of the circular economy, and the importance of a mindset shift towards sustainability, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we unravel the story of ReFURBED and explore the possibilities of creating a more sustainable and circular future.

Happy listening! 🌱📱

The following description was generated by AI :)

What drives someone to leave a secure corporate job to launch a sustainability-focused startup? Join us as we explore this question with Kilian Kaminski, co-founder of Refurb, one of the DACH region's fastest-growing marketplaces for refurbished products. Kilian dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the crucial role of a failure culture and the strategic decisions that have cemented Refurb's place as a top startup in Austria and Germany. With insights into the growing societal awareness around climate change and the influence of movements like Fridays for Future, this episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in sustainability and entrepreneurship.
Shifting gears, we tackle the paradox of Gen Z's consumption habits and the urgent need for sustainable electronics. Even as young people lead climate protests, many continue to patronize fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Kilian sheds light on how governments can step in with regulations to promote more sustainable practices in the electronics industry. We also explore Refurb's methods for ensuring sustainability, from rigorous partner selection to comprehensive impact analysis, and the broader implications of extending product lifecycles.
Finally, we discuss the future—achieving net zero and balancing profitability with sustainability. Kilian shares Refurb's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to environmental projects. He provides valuable advice for founders navigating today's challenging investment climate, emphasizing the importance of showcasing both economic and social impact. Don't miss Kilian's insights on the complex but rewarding journey of building a truly sustainable business.

Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch
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Capitole

1. 35: Refurbed - how a refurbishing marketplace is resilient against current market economics. Interview with Refurbed Co-founder Kilian Kaminski. (00:00:00)

2. Introduction and Personal Experience with Secondhand Products (00:01:00)

3. Lessons from Entrepreneurship and the Importance of Failure Culture (00:03:10)

4. Reflecting on Failures and Learning from Them (00:06:25)

5. Choosing the Right Location for Founding a Company (00:10:24)

6. The Impact of Climate Awareness and the Challenges Ahead (00:13:54)

7. Promoting Sustainability in the Electronics Industry (00:24:40)

8. Introduction to Refurbed and the Importance of Sustainable Consumption (00:26:54)

9. Greenwashing and the Trend Towards Circular Electronics (00:28:25)

10. The Challenges of Repairability and Product Lifespan (00:31:43)

11. Promoting High-Quality and Durable Products (00:34:05)

12. The Role of Regulation in Promoting Repairability and Sustainability (00:36:29)

13. Ensuring Sustainability in the Refurbed Value Chain (00:37:27)

14. Refurbed's Sustainability Impact and Environmental Analysis (00:40:22)

15. Net-Zero Goals and Supporting Environmental Projects (00:41:42)

16. The Mindset Shift Towards Profit and Impact (00:43:10)

17. Can we solve the climate crisis (00:44:00)