David Rabie grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, including his father, and was raised to believe in the American dream. His family immigrated from Iran, and their resilience instilled in him a high tolerance for risk — a trait that would prove essential in his career.
While in business school, Rabie had the idea for Tovala, a smart oven paired with a meal delivery service that makes home cooking simple. Launched in 2015, Tovala allows users to scan a code and enjoy a fresh meal in 20 minutes.
From Family of Entrepreneurs to Founder of Tovala
Building the company was far from easy. Early funding from a University of Chicago venture challenge helped, but Rabie struggled to balance hiring a team with proving the concept to investors. A Kickstarter campaign that raised $100,000 validated demand, but challenges continued.
In 2020, a Series B fundraising deal collapsed just as the pandemic began, leaving Rabie with a newborn and mounting uncertainty. Later, the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank in 2023 threatened the company’s cash reserves.
Despite these setbacks, Tovala has thrived. In the past six months alone, the company generated over $100 million in revenue and has been profitable since 2024. Rabie admits he still worries about risk, but after a decade in business, he has learned to grow through uncertainty.
