Refurbed, the Austrian marketplace specializing in refurbished electronics, has secured a prominent speaking slot at the upcoming EU-Startups Summit 2027. Co-founder Kilian Kaminski will deliver a keynote address at the event, taking place in Malta on May 13-14, 2027.
Kaminski’s presentation, titled “Fixing the future: How sustainable entrepreneurship can change the world and be profitable,” will explore the intersection of environmental responsibility and commercial viability. The keynote selection underscores growing interest within Europe’s startup community in business models that prioritize both sustainability and financial performance.
A Growing Force in Circular Commerce
The Vienna-based company has established itself as a significant player in the refurbished consumer electronics sector since its founding in 2017. Operating across multiple European markets, Refurbed has attracted substantial investor confidence, having raised a total of €160 million in funding to date. This capital injection reflects broader market recognition of the circular economy as a viable and scalable business opportunity.
The company’s growth-stage status places it among the continent’s more mature startups, positioning it beyond early-stage operations while continuing to expand its market presence and operational capabilities. Refurbed’s business model addresses a dual challenge: reducing electronic waste while providing consumers with affordable access to quality technology products.
Sustainability as Competitive Advantage
The selection of Kaminski as a keynote speaker indicates the EU-Startups Summit organizers’ commitment to highlighting entrepreneurs who have translated sustainability principles into measurable business success. Rather than positioning environmental responsibility as a cost center, the keynote framing suggests an examination of how circular business practices can enhance profitability and create competitive differentiation.
This approach reflects a broader shift within European entrepreneurship, where sustainability considerations have moved from peripheral concerns to central business strategy. Startups across sectors increasingly recognize that resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circular design principles can drive operational advantages alongside environmental benefits.
European Context
The timing of this keynote reflects momentum building across the European startup ecosystem around sustainable business models. As regulatory pressures mount—including proposed regulations on electronic waste and product longevity—companies like Refurbed demonstrate that market demand for sustainable alternatives extends beyond environmentally conscious consumers to mainstream adoption.
Austrian startups, meanwhile, have gained prominence within European tech circles, with Vienna positioning itself as a growing hub for innovative companies. Refurbed’s participation at a continental summit illustrates how Austrian founders are increasingly shaping conversations around industry trends and business practices at the European level.
The EU-Startups Summit, held annually in varying locations, serves as a gathering point for founders, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders. The 2027 Malta edition will provide Kaminski with a platform to articulate how sustainable entrepreneurship operates not as a constraint on business growth, but as a pathway to building resilient, profitable enterprises aligned with evolving market demands and environmental imperatives.