Why Nest Co-Founder Matt Rogers Remains Optimistic About HVAC Innovation
From Smart Thermostats to the Future of Home Comfort
When Matt Rogers co-founded Nest with Tony Fadell in 2010, the idea of two former Apple engineers revolutionizing home heating and cooling seemed unconventional. Yet their vision birthed the smart thermostat category—a breakthrough that continues to influence smart home technology today, despite Google’s scaled-back investment in Nest’s original product lineup.
“Nest isn’t fully executing the vision I had years ago,” Rogers admitted in an interview with TechCrunch. “That’s often the reality when you sell a company.”
A Lasting Passion for HVAC Efficiency
Rogers’ fascination with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has endured:
- Decades of focus: “I’ve been thinking about HVAC longer than most,” Rogers noted with amusement
- Untapped potential: He sees significant opportunities to improve energy efficiency, comfort, and quality of life
- Environmental impact: Modern HVAC solutions can dramatically reduce household carbon footprints
Balancing Multiple Ventures While Advising Quilt
Despite launching Mill, his food waste startup, and managing Incite with his wife, Rogers maintained an advisory role with heat pump innovator Quilt. His involvement has now deepened:
- Transition to board member: Recently joined Quilt as an independent director
- Longstanding collaboration: Weekly conversations with CEO Paul Lambert since before Quilt’s seed funding round
- Shared vision: Quilt aims to replicate Nest’s success through superior product design and user experience
Why Heat Pumps Represent the Future
Both Rogers and Lambert identify powerful trends driving HVAC innovation:
- Climate change: Rising global temperatures increase demand for efficient cooling solutions
- Economic growth: As disposable incomes rise worldwide, consumers prioritize home comfort
- Energy efficiency: Heat pumps serve dual heating/cooling purposes with lower energy consumption
“These macro trends are undeniable,” Rogers emphasized. “It’s rewarding to support a team advancing this crucial technology.”
The Nest Legacy Informs Next-Gen HVAC
Quilt’s leadership explicitly references Nest’s playbook—focusing on:
- Intuitive design: Clean aesthetics that blend with modern homes
- Seamless integration: Smart features that work effortlessly with other home systems
- Sustainable performance: Technology that reduces energy use without sacrificing comfort
As Rogers transitions from informal advisor to formal board member, his expertise may help Quilt achieve what Nest began—transforming how we heat and cool our homes in an increasingly warm world.
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