Tell us about yourself.
Matteo was born and raised in Switzerland, where he embarked on his professional journey at a young age. He began working in a bank at just 14 years old, following the Swiss tradition of starting apprenticeships early. Despite the stability and good salary, Matteo felt unfulfilled. After completing his military service and studying English in New York, he decided to take a different path. Facing personal challenges, including the loss of his mother and a divorce, Matteo saw Dubai as a new opportunity. He moved to the city and, after a brief stint in a multinational company, launched his first startup. Although this venture failed, he persevered, eventually finding success with his second startup. Today, Matteo invests in early-stage impact startups that focus on creating positive social and environmental outcomes.
What inspired you to embrace eco-friendly practices and make a shift towards sustainability?
About six to seven years ago, Matteo realized that sustainability was more than just charity—it was about creating profitable business opportunities that also benefit society and the environment. He recognized that companies could generate positive impacts while remaining financially viable, which motivated him to shift his focus toward sustainability-driven ventures.
What are the primary steps you take to integrate eco-friendly practices into your lifestyle?
Raised in Switzerland, Matteo naturally embraces recycling as a key part of his lifestyle. He diligently segregates waste at home, ensuring that cans, glass, paper, and bottles are properly recycled. Additionally, he practices minimalism by avoiding unnecessary purchases and limits his travel to only what is essential, reducing his environmental footprint.
Share some of the most effortless yet impactful eco-friendly changes you’ve made in your daily routine.
One of Matteo’s most impactful contributions to sustainability was investing in a young entrepreneur’s brand focused on recycling plastic. This small step allowed the brand to grow significantly, recycling tons of plastic annually and providing jobs to many people. Matteo’s example demonstrates that supporting innovative ideas can lead to substantial environmental benefits.
What difficulties have you encountered while striving to live in an environmentally conscious manner?
Living in Dubai, Matteo acknowledges that the convenience of city life can sometimes hinder sustainable practices. The ease of having everything delivered can lead to a higher carbon footprint, and reducing electricity and water consumption is challenging in Dubai’s intense summer heat. However, Matteo strives to balance convenience with conscious efforts to reduce his environmental impact.
Describe a rewarding moment on your sustainability journey.
A pivotal moment in Matteo’s sustainability journey was being recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of their “30 Under 30” in 2020, specifically for his work and investments in sustainable companies. This recognition affirmed that his efforts were making a meaningful impact on both the environment and society.
What are some misconceptions about being eco-friendly that you’d like to debunk?
Matteo is keen to address the misconception that sustainable products are inherently more expensive. While this can be true in some cases, it is possible to find eco-friendly options that are competitively priced. Additionally, he emphasizes that being eco-friendly doesn’t mean being overly idealistic or impractical—it’s about making smart, conscious choices that benefit both the environment and the economy.
How do you plan on continuing your sustainability journey? What other aspects do you plan to change?
Looking ahead, Matteo is focused on further reducing his environmental footprint. While he’s not yet vegan, he has significantly reduced his meat consumption. Recently, he invested in a company in Mexico that produces flour from crickets, a sustainable and protein-rich alternative that requires minimal water and land resources. Matteo believes that insect-based food is a viable solution for feeding the world’s growing population.
Lastly, how do you think we can ensure that eco-friendly options and choices are available and attainable for a diverse range of individuals?
Matteo believes that increasing consumer demand for sustainable products will drive their availability, making eco-friendly options more accessible. He also notes that regulatory pressures will play a crucial role, as companies that fail to meet sustainability standards will struggle to compete in the market. This shift will ultimately ensure that sustainable products have a larger share of the market, benefiting both people and the planet.