EP5: The Bill Gates-backed startup doubling the life of your favorite produce - Apeel Sciences
FUN FACT
Apeel got its start with a $100,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation!
FOUNDERS
James Rogers
FLAGSHIP PRODUCT
Plant-derived applicant that extends lifetime of fruits and vegetables
LAUNCHED
2012
FUNDING
$110.1M from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Andreessen Horowitz, Upfront Ventures, PowerPlant Ventures
HQ
Santa Barbara, CA
The Problem
Currently around half of all food grown ends up in a landfill - in large part because fruits and vegetables spoil shortly after they are harvested.
The Solution
Apeel adds a layer of plant-derived protection to the surface of fresh produce to slow water loss and oxidation — the factors that cause spoilage. By maintaining moisture and reducing oxidation, Apeel supports the plant’s natural abilities to protect against environmental stressors.
Episode Brief
Jessica Vieira, Director of Sustainability at Apeel Sciences, joins Peter on this week’s episode to discuss:
How perishability dictates today's food supply chain and leads to massive food waste
The lifecycle of an avocado today and how that changes with Apeel
Why Apeel's invention is a major breakthrough for farmers, retailers, and consumers
What it means for developing nations and the millions of people who've never been able to access healthy food
What's next and the moonshoot
Lightning Round:
Where in sustainability will we see the next big innovation?
What's something you believe to be true that most people don't agree with you on?
Who has had the greatest impact on your learning and why?
Credits
This episode is brought to you by Bite Toothpaste Bits, the world's first, 100% plastic-free toothpaste tablet. If you’re looking for an easy way to cut single-use plastic from your life, go to BiteToothpasteBits.com and use code INGOODHANDS for $5 off their flagship 4-month subscription, incl. free shipping!
HOST
Peter Levin
PRODUCTION
Dan Mahoney and Lucas Arndt
MUSIC
Eddie Knuckles