Matt Rogers is the co-founder and CEO of Mill, a new way to keep food waste in the food system. Reducing food waste from households presents one of the greatest opportunities for individuals to reduce their climate impact.

Matt started his career at Apple where he was one of the first engineers on the iPhone. He then co-founded Nest, the first learning thermostat to help households reduce their energy usage, which was later acquired by Google. Matt is also a co-founder of Incite.org, which provides catalytic capital and guidance to start-ups and non-profits developing world-positive innovation.

In this episode we cover:

[1:15] Matt’s Inspiration for Mill

[2:56] How building Mill has differed from other products Matt has built

[6:15] Why Matt chose the home as the best place to reduce food waste

[8:35] Why Mill is turning food waste into chicken feed

[10:32] How Mill is emphasizing communities and local food loops 

[12:50] Mill’s ambitions and the importance of focus

[14:52] Lessons from Nest that Matt is applying to Mill

[17:50] Matt’s perspective on effective program management and board meetings

[21:00] Matt’s lessons on fundraising

[22:08] What Matt looks for as an investor

[23:12] The differences between leading an early and growth stage company

[25:14] How Matt takes care of himself as a founder 

[27:34] Matt’s advice to aspiring climate leaders

[29:18] A fun fact about Matt