Why Nest Co-Founder Matt Rogers Remains Optimistic About the Future of HVAC Innovation

In 2010, Matt Rogers co-founded Nest with Tony Fadell, revolutionizing the home heating and cooling industry. This innovation led to the creation of the smart thermostat, a pivotal product that sparked the interest of various companies in the smart home sector. Despite Google’s recent neglect of Nest, which has seen the discontinuation of several core products, Rogers remains passionate about HVAC technology.

Rogers’ Continued Passion for HVAC

In an interview with TechCrunch, Rogers expressed his thoughts on Nest’s evolution: “Nest is not necessarily doing everything that I set them out to do years ago,” he noted, reflecting on the challenges that arise after selling a company. However, his fascination with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems has not waned.

“I’ve been thinking about HVAC for a really long time — longer than most,” Rogers remarked with a chuckle. He emphasized that the potential for enhancing efficiency, comfort, and overall quality of life remains significant.

Advising New Innovations in HVAC

Rogers’ enthusiasm for HVAC led him to take on the role of an informal advisor at Quilt, a startup specializing in heat pumps. This engagement came alongside his efforts to launch his new food waste startup, Mill, and manage his philanthropy organization, Incite, with his wife.

“I had a lot going on starting Mill,” Rogers admitted.

Joining Quilt as an Independent Board Member

Now that Rogers feels confident about Mill’s direction, he has decided to deepen his involvement with Quilt by becoming an independent board member. His journey with Quilt began when he met co-founder and CEO Paul Lambert shortly before the company secured its seed funding. Their relationship has flourished over the years, marked by regular communication.

“We talked like almost every week, for years,” Rogers shared. “Sometimes Paul’s co-founder, Matt, would call me from their factory or a supplier asking for advice. Eventually, it was time to formalize our collaboration.”

The Future of Quilt and HVAC Innovation

With Rogers now on the board, Quilt is poised to continue the legacy that Nest established. The company is dedicated to prioritizing product design and user experience. “We’re really trying to do the Nest playbook,” Lambert stated, highlighting the company’s strategy.

“The world is getting hotter and it is getting richer,” Lambert explained. “As temperatures rise, the demand for cooling solutions increases. Heat pumps serve as effective air conditioning units, and as disposable income grows, more people invest in these systems.”

Rogers supports this perspective, affirming, “Those macro trends are all true. It’s good to work with a team that’s carrying the torch.”

For more insights on smart home technology, check out our article on Smart Home Innovations and explore energy-efficient heat pumps.