Why a Refurbed Co-Founder's Keynote Could Rewrite the Rules of Profitable Startups

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-07

The startup world loves a good origin story, but the one Kilian Kaminski will tell at the EU-Startups Summit 2027 isn't just about building a company. It's about proving that saving the planet and turning a healthy profit can actually go hand in hand. We're thrilled to announce that Kilian, the co-founder of the Vienna-based marketplace refurbed, will take the main stage in sunny Malta on May 13-14, 2027. His keynote, titled *Fixing the Future: How Sustainable Entrepreneurship Can Change the World and Be Profitable*, promises to be a refreshing reality check for founders who think they have to choose between their values and their valuation. Drawing from his experience scaling refurbed into a European powerhouse, Kilian will walk us through how entrepreneurs can build businesses that don't just measure success in revenue, but in real, measurable environmental impact. ### The Big Idea: Circularity as a Growth Engine Let's be honest: for a long time, "sustainable" and "profitable" felt like opposing teams. Kilian is coming to Malta to dismantle that outdated mindset. He'll dig into the potential of circular business models, where products get a second, third, or fourth life instead of ending up in a landfill. The core takeaway? Sustainability isn't a tax on your margins; it's a competitive advantage that customers are actively looking for. He'll share hard-won lessons on turning a mission-driven idea into a fast-growing company without losing your soul (or your shirt) in the process. It's a conversation about building a legacy that your investors and your grandchildren can both be proud of. ### Meet the Founder: From Amazon to the Circular Economy Kilian's path to the main stage is as interesting as the talk itself. Before co-founding refurbed in 2017, he cut his teeth at Amazon Germany, where he served as Head of the Amazon Certified Refurbished Program. That experience gave him a front-row seat to the massive scale of electronics consumption and waste. He studied Communication and Business Administration in Hamburg, Shanghai, and London, but it was that insider view of the electronics industry that pushed him toward entrepreneurship and the circular economy. Today, refurbed is one of Europe's leading platforms for refurbished goods, giving devices a second life while giving consumers a more affordable alternative. Kilian isn't just building a company; he's building a movement. He sits on the board of the European Refurbishment Association and is a vocal advocate for making refurbishment a third major consumption category, right alongside "new" and "used." ### Why You Should Care If you're a founder, this keynote is a masterclass in aligning purpose with profit. If you're an investor, it's a signal of where the smart money is heading. And if you're just a consumer, it's proof that you don't have to sacrifice quality to make a better choice. To get a head start on his story, you can catch him on the EU-Startups Podcast, where he recently discussed building trust in second-life electronics and the regulatory foundations of the industry. ### The EU-Startups Summit 2027 This keynote is just one piece of the puzzle. On May 13-14, 2027, we're bringing the entire European startup ecosystem back together in Malta for what promises to be our biggest Summit yet. We're expecting around 2,500 founders, investors, and ecosystem players for two days of intense networking and inspiration. - **Keynotes and Fireside Chats:** Learn from Europe's most successful entrepreneurs. - **Workshops:** Get hands-on advice to level up your startup. - **Exhibition Hall:** Discover the hottest new companies on the continent. It's the place to make the connections that matter. If you're ready to be part of the conversation, secure your ticket today. We can't wait to see you in Malta to help shape a future that's both profitable and sustainable.