Andreas Maurer, Co-founder and CEO @ KeepLocal
Andreas Maurer — Co-founder and CEO @ KeepLocal
Episode Summary
In “Innovating for a Sustainable Future,” Andreas Maurer, co-founder and CEO of KeepLocal, joins “The Executives: A Dialogue with Majid” to discuss his entrepreneurial journey. Andreas explains KeepLocal’s mission to strengthen local economies through a digital, eco-friendly regional gift card system that functions as a “local currency.”
He shares his motivation and guiding philosophy that “makers never retire,” while detailing their north-star metric and decision-making approach. The conversation covers KeepLocal’s commitment to sustainability, their use of blockchain technology for APIs and integrations, and how they help local businesses compete against larger competitors.
Andreas discusses their expansion plans across Germany and Europe, their adaptability during COVID-19, and the significant challenges they’ve overcome. The episode concludes with insights into his leadership philosophy and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to create sustainable, community-focused businesses.
Episode Chapters
🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss:
00:16 Introduction
00:53 Andreas' background and introduction
01:15 Topic introduction
02:09 What inspired you to start KeepLocal?
04:25 What is the vision and mission of KeepLocal?
04:58 How do you find or craft a north-star metric?
07:10 What inspired Andreas to become an Entrepreneur
09:12 Understanding the first entrepreneurial journey of Andreas
11:03 What advice would you give Andreas at the age of 16 years?
11:45 What keeps Andreas motivated towards getting out every day?
13:52 Have thoughts ever come to Andreas to quit KeepLocal?
15:55 Makers never retire!
17:37 How does Andreas make complex and critical decisions?
22:15 How does KeepLocal integrate sustainability into their business?
27:15 What role does technology play in KeepLocal?
29:20 How do you support the local community and businesses?
31:12 The expansion plans of KeepLocal
36:36 How does KeepLocal ensure a unique experience for the customer?
39:40 How has KeepLocal adapted to the changing retail landscape, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
41:10 What was the most significant challenge KeepLocal has faced since its inception?
43:23 What strategies helped grow KeepLocal's presence and customer base?
45:50 Andreas shares an instance where innovation played a key role in solving a problem or improving the service.
49:05 Andreas shares the big plans for KeepLocal
51:46 Leadership style and philosophy of Andreas
53:50 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
56:54 Conclusion
About the Guest
Andreas Maurer
Co-founder and CEO @ KeepLocal
Andreas Maurer is the Co-founder and CEO of KeepLocal, a forward-thinking platform dedicated to supporting local businesses through sustainable and technology-driven solutions. With a strong background in entrepreneurship, Andreas has built his career at the intersection of innovation, retail, and community empowerment. Passionate about creating meaningful change, Andreas founded KeepLocal to help small and medium-sized businesses thrive in an increasingly digital world. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, local economic growth, and future-ready technologies. Known for his creative problem-solving skills and maker mindset, Andreas continues to inspire others through his hands-on approach to leadership and product development. Beyond his role at KeepLocal, Andreas is recognized as a thought leader in the areas of digital transformation, community-first business models, and sustainable entrepreneurship. His journey is a testament to the impact of purpose-driven innovation in shaping the future of commerce.
Related Content
In this episode of the Executives, Majid welcomes Andre Kiwitz, founder of Ventura Travel and…
In this episode of the Executives, Majid welcomes Zaid Munir, CTO of Immersifi and CEO…