the Executives · A Dialogue with Majid

Andreas Maurer, Co-founder and CEO @ KeepLocal

With Andreas Maurer

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About this episode

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

  1. 🎙️ In This Episode, We Discuss:
  2. 00:16 Introduction
  3. 00:53 Andreas' background and introduction
  4. 01:15 Topic introduction
  5. 02:09 What inspired you to start KeepLocal?
  6. 04:25 What is the vision and mission of KeepLocal?
  7. 04:58 How do you find or craft a north-star metric?
  8. 07:10 What inspired Andreas to become an Entrepreneur
  9. 09:12 Understanding the first entrepreneurial journey of Andreas
  10. 11:03 What advice would you give Andreas at the age of 16 years?
  11. 11:45 What keeps Andreas motivated towards getting out every day?
  12. 13:52 Have thoughts ever come to Andreas to quit KeepLocal?
  13. 15:55 Makers never retire!
  14. 17:37 How does Andreas make complex and critical decisions?
  15. 22:15 How does KeepLocal integrate sustainability into their business?
  16. 27:15 What role does technology play in KeepLocal?
  17. 29:20 How do you support the local community and businesses?
  18. 31:12 The expansion plans of KeepLocal
  19. 36:36 How does KeepLocal ensure a unique experience for the customer?
  20. 39:40 How has KeepLocal adapted to the changing retail landscape, especially considering the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
  21. 41:10 What was the most significant challenge KeepLocal has faced since its inception?
  22. 43:23 What strategies helped grow KeepLocal's presence and customer base?
  23. 45:50 Andreas shares an instance where innovation played a key role in solving a problem or improving the service.
  24. 49:05 Andreas shares the big plans for KeepLocal
  25. 51:46 Leadership style and philosophy of Andreas
  26. 53:50 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
  27. 56:54 Conclusion

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