Living The Red Life Co-Founder of Blue Apron on Scaling Chaos, Rodent Nightmares, and Going Public
SUMMARY
Matthew Wadiak, co-founder of Blue Apron, joins the show to share his incredible journey of building one of the most well-known meal kit services in the world. He discusses the highs and lows of scaling a startup, including the challenges of logistics, fulfillment, and the process of taking a company public. From wild customer service nightmares to the pressure of keeping innovation alive while preparing for an exit, Matt provides an unfiltered look at the realities of running a high-growth business.
Now, he’s onto his next big venture—Capsule, a new sustainable beverage company tackling the problem of plastic waste in packaging. With years of research and patented technology, Matt is revolutionizing how we consume drinks by replacing traditional plastic bottles with innovative, eco-friendly pod systems. He shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing business landscape.
CHAPTERS
02:35 - The Early Hustle: From Startup to Scale
05:12 - The Two Worlds of a Growing Business
07:43 - Logistics Nightmares: A Rodent Tale Gone Wrong
10:26 - Surviving the Chaos of a Rapidly Scaling Business
13:05 - Lessons from Taking a Company Public
15:47 - The Biggest Pitfalls When Preparing for an Exit
18:22 - From Blue Apron to Innovation: A New Sustainability Mission
20:58 - Revolutionizing Beverage Packaging: The Birth of Capsule
23:40 - The Hardest Lessons in Entrepreneurship
26:19 - Final Advice for Entrepreneurs: What I’d Tell My Younger Self
Connect with Matthew Wadiak:
X: @MWadiak
Connect with Rudy Mawer: