ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role and structural inclusion of the social dimension in circular entrepreneurs’ value system. Following the low uptake of circular economy (CE) on a corporate level, circular entrepreneurship is increasingly considered a relevant driver. Understanding the motivations of circular entrepreneurs can help creating an environment in which innovative circular ventures can flourish and is pivotal to promote the bottom-up entrepreneurial development of the CE. Sustainable entrepreneurs are characterized by the goal to transform a sector or market towards an increased environmental and/or social state through the exploitation of economic opportunities. Sustainable entrepreneurs seek gaps in existing markets and unmet consumer demand in the realm of sustainability which they aim to fill. Circular start-ups focus on environmental and economic value creation which is similar to environmental start-ups. There are indications in academic literature that founders of circular start-ups are an own ‘breed’ in the realm of entrepreneurship.
