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: Website: www.blueapron.com X: @MWadiak Connect with Rudy Mawer: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Twitter