Craig Leaf
Entrepreneur
Cambridge,MA
Summary
Experienced entrepreneur with 7+ years of executive leadership in tech startups. Proven track record of success in launching companies, product development, creative funding, and bringing innovative products and ideas to market. Skilled in strategic planning, building high-performing teams, and running successful lean startups. Successfully built relationships with local businesses for in state manufacturing.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
3
3
CEO
3
3
CTO
Work History
CEO & Founder
Appostasy Inc.
1 2015 - 1 2018
- Founded and led Appostasy Inc., a consumer electronics company specializing in mobile device accessories
- Developed and launched the PenSe Apple Pencil case, raising capital through successful Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns
- Secured distribution through Amazon's Launch Pad program and created marketing materials, including an animated commercial video.
Co-Founder & CTO
TarDisk.com
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Led product development, engineering, and marketing for TarDisk, a hardware and software company specializing in storage solutions for Apple products
- Designed and launched the TarDisk, a unique unibody aluminum SD card expansion card, generating over $1 million in pre-orders within 3 months of launch
- Secured TarDisk's participation in Amazon's Launch Pad program and oversaw the launch of the 'TarDisk Pear' software, hailed as one of the top tech hardware innovations of 2016
- Managed and mentored teams of engineers, designers, and marketing professionals.
CTO & Product Management
theMiniDrive.com / Awiwa LLC
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Increased company sales by 1400% in 45 days through strategic restructuring and product development
- Led the development and launch of various storage solution products compatible with Apple devices
- Developed the Nano MiniDrive adapter, the smallest MicroSD to SDXC adapter on the market at the time
- Collaborated with medical device manufacturers to integrate theMiniDrive into their products.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
01.2007 - 12 2011
Venture Incubator Program - Business
01.2013 - 12 2013
Venture Incubator Program - Business
01.2014 - 12 2014
Designing for Change - Business, Design, Innovation, Marketing
01.2013 - 12 2013
Human-Centered Design - Business, Design, Innovation, Marketing
01.2014 - 12 2014
HARDWARE WORKSHOP - Product Design
01.2016 - 12 2016
Skills
Leadership: Strong leadership experience with a proven ability to motivate and inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals
Strategic Planning: Skilled in developing and executing strategic plans that drive growth and profitability
Product Development: Extensive experience in all aspects of product development, from concept to launch
Fundraising: Secured funding through successful Kickstarter campaigns and participation in Amazon's Launch Pad program
Financial Management: Proven ability to manage budgets effectively and achieve financial goals
Operations: Experienced in managing all aspects of a business, including marketing, sales, and customer service
Creative Problem Solving
Talent Development
Crisis Management
Strategic Visioning
Problem-solving abilities
Excellent Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Patents
- USD783022S1 - Enclosure For Apple Pencil
- USD732038S1 - Memory Card Component
Clubmemberships
- Artisain's Asylum Mar 2015
- Tech Hub Member Mar 2015
- Harvard Venture Incubator Program iLab 2013-2014
- Poets & Writers Org. 2010
- The Boston Author's Club 2010
Awards
- Nominated for the Pulitzer Prize in Poetry (2009) LOST IN HINDSIGHT Finishing Line Press
- Nominated for the Dylan Thomas Award (2009) LOST IN HINDSIGHT Finishing Line Press
Publications
- Bomb Magazine
- The Inman Review" Volume 3: Spring 2011
- LOST IN HINDSIGHT Finishing Line PressPhysiognomy in Letters - Volume 2, Issue 1
- Physiognomy in Letters Volume 1 Issue 2
Board Member
- • 2Quip Kansas City, KS 2024-present
- Parentfile San Rafael, CA 2024-Present
PRESS
Reviews and Press for products which I invented or co-invented:
FORBES. bit.ly/2BN6kdl
TECH CRUNCH. tcrn.ch/4ddZTKd
CNET cnet.co/3W8Ll7O
BOSTON BUSINESS JOURNAL. bit.ly/3WAhJBR
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES. bit.ly/4dhgTzr
TECH CO. bit.ly/4fckekX
Timeline
BOLT VENTURES - HARDWARE WORKSHOP, Product Design
01.2016 - 12 2016
Co-Founder & CTO - TarDisk.com
01.2014 - 01.2015
Harvard University - Venture Incubator Program, Business
01.2014 - 12 2014
IDEO - Human-Centered Design, Business, Design, Innovation, Marketing
01.2014 - 12 2014
CTO & Product Management - theMiniDrive.com / Awiwa LLC
01.2013 - 01.2015
Harvard University - Venture Incubator Program, Business
01.2013 - 12 2013
IDEO - Designing for Change, Business, Design, Innovation, Marketing
01.2013 - 12 2013
Goddard College - Bachelor of Arts,
01.2007 - 12 2011
CEO & Founder - Appostasy Inc.
1 2015 - 1 2018