Their journey highlights not only the innovation brewing in Warsaw’s startup ecosystem but also how resilience and collaboration can drive impactful change in a global industry.

“I knew that the coffee waste problem was massive,” says Kacper. “Only thirty percent of the coffee bean potential ends up in the cup, while the remaining seventy percent is wasted.” This waste, primarily made up of coffee grounds, releases harmful methane gas as it decomposes in landfills, contributing to global warming. Additionally, valuable compounds within the coffee grounds, such as oils and antioxidants, go untapped. Addressing this issue is crucial to reducing waste, unlocking the potential of these valuable resources and establishing more sustainable practices in the coffee industry. Kacper was seeking a solution to address this environmental challenge.

A serendipitous connection with Marcin set the stage for EcoBean’s creation. For over 15 years, Marcin had worked closely with the Warsaw University of Technology professors and researchers, focusing on bridging the gap between academic research and real-world applications. His expertise lies in identifying innovative technologies and finding ways to commercialize them by connecting academic minds with businesses. “It’s still rare for Polish universities to transfer technology to the market,” Marcin explains, but he made it his mission to foster these collaborations.

The connection between Kacper and Marcin came about via a fishing trip Kacper took. While returning from the trip, he was discussing his frustration with the coffee industry and his initial idea, when one of his cousins suggested he meet Marcin, who had the technological expertise and industry connections to help turn Kacper’s vision into reality. They met and found they were a perfect match to work together. “It was a total coincidence,” Kacper says. “I had the business idea, and Marcin knew how to connect it with technology and R&D. We quickly realized we had complementary skills to build something impactful.” Marcin provided the scientific foundation that EcoBean needed to move forward, and the two launched their journey as cofounders in 2018.

Starting a business is never easy, and EcoBean’s journey was filled with obstacles, particularly in navigating Poland’s regulatory landscape and building a functional waste-management operation. “We were told that it wasn’t just one in ten startups that succeeded in waste management but one in a thousand,” Marcin says, acknowledging the difficulty of breaking into this highly regulated sector​. Kacper, coming from a corporate background, found the transition to the startup world challenging. “In the corporate world, you have time and resources,” he says. “In a startup, it’s the complete opposite. We had to act fast with limited budgets, often doing the work of entire departments ourselves.” The two opted for a very hands-on approach to tackle the initial steps. “We were riding around Warsaw with buckets, collecting small amounts of coffee waste from friends and local cafes just to test our process,” Marcin says. Due to the complexities of regulations and infrastructure, two years passed before they could fully operationalize their system.

The early days were marked by manual efforts and perseverance. “Persistence is crucial. You have to be ready for rejection and learn to pivot when necessary,” Kacper says.
“We were extremely selective about the investors we approached, and specifically looked for VCs that invested in sustainable ventures, because we knew they would understand our vision.” However, the conversion rate was disheartening. Out of hundreds of pitches, only about 1% resulted in interest. Many investors didn’t fully understand the potential of what they were doing. “It took a lot of effort to explain the long-term value of transforming coffee waste into usable products.” The waste-management sector’s complex and heavily regulated nature only intensified the skepticism from potential backers. Nonetheless, Kacper and Marcin remained persistent, targeting investors specifically focusing on environmental impact and sustainability, and EcoBean secured over €3 million in funding, a milestone that allowed the startup to move from concept to commercialization. 

The key, according to Marcin, was adaptability. “You have to be willing to pivot and adjust your strategy based on the feedback you get. Stubbornness can be a strength, but there’s a fine line between persistence and delusion.” Their ability to be flexible while staying true to their mission allowed them to refine their pitch and successfully adapt their approach to meet investor concerns.

From working with the Warsaw University of Technology to securing early-stage funding from local investors, Warsaw’s ecosystem has supported EcoBean’s growth at every stage. “We’ve won local prizes and grants that helped us in the early days. Even small amounts of funding were crucial to our survival and development,” Marcin says. “Scaling is tough, especially in a highly regulated sector like waste management,” Kacper says, “but we’ve built a great team, and we believe in the mission. We’re turning waste into value, which the market is starting to recognize.”​ As they continue to scale their business, EcoBean is poised to play a significant role in shaping a more sustainable future for the coffee industry – and for Warsaw itself. 

As the business grows, both founders emphasize the importance of balancing work and personal well-being. For Kacper, physical activity is a vital outlet for managing the stress of running a startup. It not only allows him to clear his mind and return to work with renewed energy and focus, it also serves as a way to foster discipline, something he believes is essential when balancing the competing demands of a fast-paced startup environment. “I do a lot of sports – triathlons, cycling, running. It helps me manage the anxiety and pressure.” 

Marcin, too, leans on physical activity to manage stress, although a torn Achilles has recently slowed him down. “I used to play football regularly with friends, and it was a great way to disconnect from work,” he says. While recovering from his injury, Marcin is already planning his return to physical activities, with cycling as a goal once he’s fully healed. “It’s important to have something outside of work that you’re passionate about, something that takes your mind off the business.” 

Still, the nature of running a startup means that work often spills over into personal time. “Even when we’re out with friends or spending time with family, the conversation can quickly turn to business,” Marcin admits. “It’s hard to fully disconnect when you’re responsible for something as big as building a company. But we try to ensure we’re not always talking about work, even though it’s tempting.” This awareness of the fine line between passion and burnout is something that Kacper and Marcin continue to navigate as they grow EcoBean. For both of them, the journey of entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, and staying disciplined, focused and healthy is key to their long-term success. “We’re in this for the long haul, and that means taking care of ourselves and each other,” Kacper says. 

Their deep connections to Warsaw’s community, universities and businesses are another factor in their success and have shaped the company’s development. “We’re one hundred percent citizens of Warsaw,” Marcin says proudly. “Our families, friends and networks are all here. It feels natural to build our business in this city.” Moreover, the city’s increasing focus on sustainability aligns perfectly with EcoBean’s mission. “Recently, Warsaw was named one of the top ten most sustainable cities in Europe, and we’re proud to be part of that movement,” Kacper says​. Warsaw’s growing status as a tech hub also has provided them with access to the resources they need to innovate. “Warsaw is a capital city, so it’s easier to be close to the headquarters of big corporations and investors,” Marcin says.

The city’s relationship with the Warsaw University of Technology is emblematic of its growing role as both a tech and innovation hub and a highly collaborative environment. “Warsaw is a vibrant city with a rich network of talent and resources,” says Kacper. “The ecosystem here is still developing, but it’s an exciting place to be for any entrepreneur.” The collaboration with the university has provided EcoBean with cutting‑edge research and a steady talent pipeline. Many of the startup’s R&D team members were originally students at the university, who later joined the startup to help develop sustainable solutions. “We’ve been very fortunate to have young, bright minds contributing to our project from the start,” Marcin says. 

Both founders agree that the city has developed faster after the pandemic, especially regarding sustainability. The City of Warsaw project includes air-quality monitoring as well as tackling food waste, and green mobility is also a priority. “Cycling has become the main means of transportation,” Kacper says. “We are still far from Copenhagen, but you can tell it’s developing.” He notes that he often travels to work with his bike. “You have the infrastructure to cycle safely and efficiently here,” he says. 

“We know the city very well,” says Marcin. “I’ve lived in most districts in Warsaw, and the great thing is you can find everything you need here. You can live in a high-rise or you can live next to the river. There’s a spot for everyone here. We are becoming a European capital.” Kacper agrees: “We have a tragic history, so I take my guests to the Museum of Warsaw Uprising first to understand our story. Then, it’s easier to see how Warsaw is.” 

Both Marcin and Kacper are optimistic about Warsaw’s future. “The city has made incredible progress, and it’s exciting to see where it’s heading,” Marcin says. As they look ahead, they hope Warsaw continues to embrace innovation while preserving its rich history.

What’s your favorite book?

Marcin: I like cooking books by talented chefs.

Kacper: The Short Story of Everything by Bill Bryson.

What’s your favorite podcast? 

Marcin: Our neighbors in the office have a podcast called Technologicznie.

Kacper: The McKinsey Podcast for deep market research.

What are your most used apps? 

Kacper: Shazam. I’m a big music fan.

Marcin: Spotify every day.

When did you found your first business? 

Kacper: I was twenty. 

Marcin: I was also twenty.

What’s your favorite place for deep work or creative thinking in the city?

Kacper: Walking the promenade of Vistula River, to get the feel of the city, especially at night.

Marcin: CIC Warsaw is full of energy and beautiful spaces. 

What coffee shop would you recommend? 

Kacper: For specialty coffee, STOR. 

What’s a great place for after-work drinks? 

Marcin: Cava Noblewskia for fancy cocktails.

Which museums would you recommend? 

Kacper: The Warsaw Uprising Museum. 

Marcin: And the 200+ food and vodka pairings at the Vodka Museum. 

EcoBean transforms coffee waste into valuable products. Cutting-edge technology extracts useful compounds from coffee waste and repurposes them into a wide range of products, including biofuels, cosmetics and agricultural solutions.

ecobean.pl

This article is included in The Explorer Series Warsaw, alongside more founder stories and expert insights. Order your copy now!

Written by Yessica Klein

Photography by Sebastian Rzepka