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As the founder of itmops, Uwe Goepel focuses not only on selling refurbished Apple devices but also on a tech industry that urgently needs a shift in thinking. In this podcast episode, he talks with Miriam Wohlfarth about why a mindset focused on safety can hinder growth, how he founded a company without a business background, and why refurbished technology has long been more than just a cheaper alternative. With Banxware as a financing partner, itmops was able to expand its product range, attract new business customers, and establish partnerships like the one with Hertha BSC. An important step toward a more sustainable and customer-focused electronics industry.
Transcript (editorially adapted)
At some point in entrepreneurship, you inevitably reach limits, whether you like it or not. You want to play along with the big players. No risk, no fun, as the saying goes. Then comes the moment when you have to decide: do I stay small, or do I really make something of it?
Many people in this phase turn to their banks. But especially in the B2B sector, traditional approaches don’t always fit. At the same time, new opportunities open up. Partnerships are formed, new clients come on board, and suddenly you realize just how far you’ve already come. These are the moments that truly drive you and make you proud.
This was also the path of Uwe Goepel, CEO and founder of itmops. Originally, he came from a completely different background. He studied political science and worked for several years in the political arena. Becoming an entrepreneur was never part of his plan. But then the iPhone boom arrived—and with it, an idea.
The devices were expensive, demand was high, and there were hardly any trustworthy options for used products. Online, you never knew exactly what you were getting, and traditional buy-and-sell shops often had a poor reputation. This led to the idea: could there be a market for professionally refurbished devices with warranties and personal support?
Without a detailed business plan, he just tried it. He closed his savings account, rented a store, and got started. A classic entrepreneurial beginning, marked by courage and a desire to simply make things happen. However, stepping into self-employment is rarely easy. Coming from a secure background, skepticism appears quickly. Family and friends often react cautiously when someone leaves a stable job to start something new. Add financial uncertainty, lack of safety nets, and many open questions, and the challenge becomes clear.
Still, many founders later say that this step was exactly the right one. In the end, it’s about doing something that truly brings joy. When you are passionate about an idea, it becomes easier to navigate tough times.
A key factor is mindset. Many successful entrepreneurs report that they had to learn to rethink at some point. Not to see things only as they were taught, but to allow new approaches. You don’t have to be perfect or plan everything in detail. What matters most is to start. If you have an idea, try it—maybe on a small scale, maybe alongside another job. A small business, a first test, a first product. These are the steps that later make a real difference.
Over time, the next challenge often arises: growth. And with that comes financing. In Germany, debt is often viewed negatively. Many try to grow using only their own funds. But eventually, you reach limits. If you want to grow, you must invest—and that often means seeking external capital. What matters is not having debt, but what you use it for. If capital helps unlock new opportunities and drive the business forward, it becomes a powerful tool.
This is particularly evident in B2B. Large orders often come with long payment terms. At the same time, stock must be pre-financed. Without sufficient liquidity, growth quickly becomes a challenge. At itmops, this development happened over the years. The product range started small, and today the market is much more complex. Customer expectations have also grown. Clients want selection, quality, and fast availability. Keeping up requires expanding the business strategically.
This also creates new opportunities. Today, the company works with larger partners and has established a solid market presence. A milestone was the collaboration with Hertha BSC. Partnerships like this show how far you can go if you’re willing to take the next step.
At the same time, entrepreneurship remains challenging. The economic climate, rising back-office demands, and increasing competition require more professionalism. Tasks such as accounting, reporting, and regulatory compliance take significant time. For many companies, the focus is not just growth, but internal development—improving processes, building structures, and making the business model future-proof.
Another critical aspect is networking. Especially for those without an entrepreneurial background, connecting with others is invaluable. Networks, discussions, and new perspectives help make better decisions and broaden horizons.
Education also plays a key role. Entrepreneurship is rarely taught in schools or universities. Many young people only see traditional career paths and never consider starting their own business. Showing that entrepreneurship is possible through practical examples, real stories, and tangible experiences can change perspectives early on.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important. In the tech sector, awareness is shifting. Refurbished products are no longer just a cheaper alternative—they represent conscious resource management while maintaining high quality. Many companies now realize they can save costs and operate more sustainably, and customers appreciate the combination of price, performance, and responsibility.
Ultimately, it comes down to one simple insight: if you have an idea, don’t overthink it, just try it. You don’t have to make everything perfect immediately, but you should start.
Those first steps make the difference. They can be the beginning of something you might not have even imagined at the start.
