What happens when you realise incremental change is no longer enough? For Randi Wahlsten, that moment led her from a successful corporate career to founding Matr Foods, a company reimagining how sustainable food is created and consumed.
In this episode, Randi shares the realities of building a new food category from scratch, transforming simple ingredients through fermentation, and scaling a business around a vision before the market existed.
From raising capital and building a first-of-its-kind factory to leading through uncertainty and challenging industry norms, this conversation explores what it takes to turn purpose into progress.
Tune in for an honest conversation about conviction, innovation, and building something the world doesn't yet know it needs.
---
Hey Climate Tech enthusiasts!
Searching for new podcasts on sustainability?
Check out the Leaders on a Mission podcast, where I interview climate tech leaders who are shaking up the industry and bringing us the next big thing in sustainable solutions.
Join me for a deep dive into the future of green innovation exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between of pioneering new technologies.
Get an exclusive insight into how these leaders started up their journey, and how their cutting edge products will make a real impact.
Tune in on…
…to listen to the latest episodes!
Timestamps:
00:00 Building a New Category
01:20 Leaving Corporate
02:50 Fermentation's Opportunity
05:00 Beyond Meat Alternatives
06:20 How Matr Works
08:45 Scaling Across Europe
11:45 Fundraising Lessons
16:30 Startup Reality
22:50 What Investors Want
25:10 Hiring for Growth
27:40 Female Founder Bias
34:20 Future of Food
Useful links:
Matr Foods website: https://matrfoods.com/
Matr Foods LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/matrfoods/
Randi Wahlsten Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randi-wahlsten-285115/
Leaders on a Mission website: https://cs-partners.net/podcasts/
Simon Leich’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/executive-talent-headhunter-agtech-foodtech-agrifoodtech-agritech/