
Founded in 2015, Tovala is a Chicago-based food tech startup that combines a smart countertop oven with a meal subscription service. The company automates cooking by scanning QR codes on pre-prepared meals, ensuring dishes are perfectly cooked with minimal effort.
Tovala aims to bridge convenience and quality, providing home-cooked meals without the time, effort, or guesswork traditionally required for cooking. The startup appeals to busy professionals and health-conscious consumers seeking fresh, ready-to-cook meals.
Tovala was founded by Mike Lee, David Rabie, and Matt Schultz after noticing a gap in the market for high-quality, convenient meals.
They envisioned a solution that would combine hardware, software, and culinary expertise to deliver perfectly cooked meals at home. By integrating IoT technology into a smart oven and pairing it with pre-prepared meals, Tovala sought to simplify cooking while maintaining quality and freshness.
Tovala has grown steadily with venture backing and strategic partnerships:
The company has positioned itself as a leading smart kitchen and meal delivery startup in the U.S.
Tovala combines hardware, software, and food services into a cohesive business model:
By integrating IoT, automation, and food services, Tovala creates a seamless cooking experience that saves time and reduces errors in meal preparation.
Tovala has influenced both the smart kitchen and meal delivery markets:
Tovala showcases the potential for tech-driven innovation in everyday life and consumer habits.
Tovala faces typical challenges for a food-tech startup:
The company addresses these through innovative meal planning, appliance updates, and strategic partnerships with grocery stores and delivery services.
Tovala continues to innovate in smart kitchens and meal services:
For entrepreneurs, Tovala demonstrates how integrating hardware, software, and services can disrupt traditional markets and create a unique consumer experience.
From a Chicago startup to a leading smart kitchen and meal delivery brand, Tovala is redefining home cooking with convenience, technology, and quality. By combining IoT-enabled ovens with fresh meal subscriptions, the company offers a seamless experience for modern households. Its story highlights the power of tech-enabled innovation and lifestyle-focused solutions in building a successful startup.









