Joseph Cruz
President and Co-Founder
IoT, Technology
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Joseph Cruz, a seasoned professional with a background in computing, product development, and management, gained valuable experience during his tenure as an R&D manager at Gefen LLC. In 2015, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey by co-founding Apption Labs with his business partner Teemu Nivala. Their shared passion for innovation drove them to turn “big ideas” into reality, setting the stage for a new venture that would soon become a leader in the smart kitchen tech industry. Headquartered in Leicester, United Kingdom, they also have offices in Los Angeles and Taiwan.
Apption Labs’ flagship product, MEATER, debuted in 2017 following a successful crowdfunding campaign. MEATER is the world’s first truly wireless leave-in meat thermometer, offering an innovative solution to home cooks and professional chefs alike. It set a new standard in the smart thermometer category, combining wireless technology with precision cooking to create a convenient and user-friendly product. This initial success propelled the company forward and showcased Cruz’s ability to bridge the gap between high-tech innovation and practical consumer needs.
Since then, Joseph Cruz and the Apption Labs team have expanded their product line with MEATER Plus and MEATER Block, both building on the foundation laid by the original MEATER. These subsequent innovations reflect Apption Labs’ commitment to advancing the culinary tech space, offering enhanced features such as extended wireless range and multi-probe systems for more complex cooking tasks.
With Joseph Cruz at the helm, Apption Labs continues to explore new opportunities and products, focusing on developing cutting-edge, user-friendly tools designed to improve kitchen efficiency. The success of the MEATER brand is a testament to Cruz’s entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to innovation, and ability to deliver groundbreaking products that resonate with consumers worldwide. You can catch up with Cruz on his LinkedIn profile.