Charles Michael Yim, the founder of Breathometer, made waves in the tech and startup world when he appeared on Shark Tank in 2013.
His innovative product, Breathometer, promised to change how people assess their blood alcohol content (BAC) by connecting a small breathalyzer device to their smartphones.
While the idea was revolutionary and had immense potential, the journey following Shark Tank was far from smooth. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Breathometer’s net worth,
Charles Yim’s financial journey, and what happened to the company after its big break on national television.
Bio/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Full Name | Charles Michael Yim |
| Date of Birth | 1980 (Age: 44 as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | United States (Exact city unknown) |
| Height | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 160 lbs (73 kg) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Asian-American (Chinese descent) |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Business Economics from Stanford University |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Founder of Breathometer, Tech Innovator, Angel Investor |
| Years Active | 2010 – Present |
| Known For | Founder and CEO of Breathometer (a mobile alcohol testing device) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated at $10 million |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Residence | California, USA |
| Professional Experience | Founder and CEO of Breathometer, Tech Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Significant Achievements | – Pitching Breathometer on Shark Tank – Partnership with Mark Cuban – Breathometer’s rise and fall in the tech market |
| Hobbies & Interests | Tech innovation, entrepreneurship, health tech, fitness |
Profile Summary
Breathometer, once hailed as a game-changer in personal health technology, had an exciting launch with significant backing from Shark Tank investors.
Its purpose was clear: to help individuals measure their BAC conveniently through their smartphones and make safer decisions about driving. However, the company’s path faced challenges that ultimately affected its value and operations.
Charles Michael Yim, the ambitious founder behind the brand, initially sparked excitement with the idea of combining health tech and smartphone applications.
In this post, we’ll examine his journey, from the height of Breathometer’s early success to its eventual downfall, and determine Breathometer’s worth today.
Who is Charles Michael Yim?
Charles Michael Yim is a tech entrepreneur and the visionary behind the Breathometer. Born and raised in the United States, Yim has always had a passion for innovative technologies.
His drive to create solutions for everyday problems led him to develop the Breathometer, a portable device that connected with your smartphone to test your BAC. However, his path to success wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Background & Early Life
Yim’s story began long before his Shark Tank appearance. Growing up, he developed an interest in technology and problem-solving.
His entrepreneurial journey started in his early adulthood, and he realized the power of combining technology with consumer behavior.
Key Achievements
Beyond Breathometer, Yim has been involved in other tech ventures, many of which focus on health and wellness. His knack for identifying gaps in the market and creating innovative solutions has earned him a notable reputation in the startup ecosystem.
What is Charles Michael Yim’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Charles Yim’s net worth is estimated at around $10 million. While this figure may seem modest compared to other Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, Yim’s journey reflects the volatile nature of the tech industry.
Here’s a breakdown of how Yim has accumulated his wealth:
Breathometer Sales: Initially, the device was sold directly through pre-orders, making a significant portion of Yim’s wealth.
Investments: His subsequent involvement in other startups and technology ventures contributed to his overall wealth.
Public Appearances and Speaking Engagements: Yim’s involvement in speaking engagements and startup events has also helped boost his financial standing.
It’s important to note that despite the initial success of Breathometer, the company faced numerous challenges post-investment, affecting both its value and Yim’s overall wealth.
Where Does Charles Michael Yim Live?
Charles Michael Yim is based in California, which is often considered the heart of the tech world. This location has been pivotal to Yim’s career, as it offers access to Silicon Valley’s entrepreneurial network, investors, and tech giants.
California’s Role in His Career
California’s vibrant tech ecosystem allowed Yim to connect with influential figures, secure funding, and scale his company. The state is home to numerous tech entrepreneurs, and Yim was able to tap into this pool for both resources and mentorship.
Charles Michael Yim Biography
Charles Michael Yim’s biography is a testament to the challenges and triumphs of an entrepreneur. From his early days in the tech world to his breakthrough with Breathometer,
Yim’s story is one of perseverance and ambition. While he faced setbacks, he remains a prominent figure in the tech space.
Charles Michael Yim Career Beginnings
Yim’s career began with a deep focus on business economics, which provided him with the foundation to launch his own ventures. His early career included working in various tech startups before launching Breathometer.
The idea for Breathometer emerged from Yim’s desire to combine technology with health monitoring. His vision was clear: to create a device that could help people make smarter decisions when it came to drinking and driving.
This led to the development of the Breathometer, which initially garnered significant attention.
What Was the Original Deal Made on Shark Tank?
During his Shark Tank appearance, Yim pitched Breathometer to the investors, seeking $250,000 in exchange for a 10% stake in the company.
The Sharks were impressed with the product but had varying offers. Ultimately, Mark Cuban made an offer of $500,000 for 20% equity in the company, which Yim accepted.
This deal would later become infamous as one of the more high-profile Shark Tank investments.
The Sharks’ Offers
- Mark Cuban: $500,000 for 20% equity
- Kevin O’Leary: $250,000 for 15% equity
- Robert Herjavec: $750,000 for 15% equity
- Lori Greiner: Expressed interest in partnering with Mark Cuban
- Daymond John: $250,000 for 10% with unlimited manufacturing rights
This historic deal was significant as it was the first time all five Sharks had expressed interest in a single company.
What Are the New Applications for Breathometer’s Technology?
After the initial success of the Breathometer device, the company began exploring new applications for the technology.
Health Monitoring: Breathometer’s technology was eventually adapted for other uses in personal health and wellness. This included oral health, where the technology was used to measure the presence of substances like alcohol, bacteria, and even other conditions.
Mint App: The technology behind Breathometer was later incorporated into a health app called Mint, which aimed to offer users more features around breath and wellness.
Despite these pivots, Breathometer’s worth couldn’t reach the heights anticipated due to ongoing challenges with product accuracy and market fit.
Charles Michael Yim’s Income Streams
Charles Yim’s income streams are diverse. While Breathometer’s net worth took a hit due to product issues and FTC investigations, Yim still derives income from multiple sources:
Investments: He continues to invest in tech startups, further diversifying his wealth.
Speaking Engagements: Yim is frequently invited to speak at tech conferences and events, which contributes to his income.
Other Ventures: Yim’s other business projects, including his involvement with the Mint app, offer additional revenue streams.
Important Achievements and Significant Milestones
Charles Yim’s career is marked by several milestones:
Shark Tank Deal: The investment from Shark Tank was a major highlight, giving him the necessary exposure to scale his business.
Innovation: Breathometer was one of the first devices to connect to smartphones for real-time BAC analysis, pushing the boundaries of mobile health technology.
Awards and Recognition: Yim has received accolades for his contributions to health-tech innovation and entrepreneurship.
Net Worth in Various Currencies
| Currency | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| USD | $10 million |
| EUR | €9.2 million |
| GBP | £7.9 million |
This table shows Charles Michael Yim’s estimated net worth across different currencies.
Charles Michael Yim’s Yearly Earnings, Monthly Income, and Salary
Charles Yim’s earnings fluctuate due to his involvement in various ventures. Based on available information:
Yearly Earnings: Estimated to be around $1-2 million, depending on his business activities and investments.
Monthly Income: Roughly $80,000 – $150,000.
Salary from Startups: Yim draws a modest salary, but much of his wealth comes from his ventures and investments.
Early Life and Family
Yim’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping his career. Raised in a supportive family environment, Yim was encouraged to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions from a young age.
His family’s support gave him the confidence to take risks in the competitive tech world.
Charles Michael Yim Education
Yim attended Stanford University, where he honed his skills in business economics and entrepreneurship. His academic background gave him the tools needed to understand market needs and business dynamics, which were essential for launching Breathometer.
Professional Life
Yim’s professional life has been a mix of challenges and success. From launching Breathometer to facing its eventual downfall due to product inaccuracies and FTC involvement, Yim’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of startups.
FAQs
What is Breathometer’s current net worth?
Breathometer’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million as of 2025.
How did Charles Michael Yim’s net worth grow after Shark Tank?
After his Shark Tank appearance, Yim’s net worth grew due to investments from the show, although the company faced challenges post-deal.
What was Breathometer’s net worth after its Shark Tank appearance?
After the Shark Tank deal, Breathometer was valued at approximately $3.3 million.
Did Breathometer’s net worth decline over time?
Yes, the company’s net worth declined significantly after facing regulatory issues and product inaccuracies.
How much was Breathometer worth at its peak?
Breathometer was initially valued at around $3.3 million after the Shark Tank investment.
Conclusion
Breathometer’s net worth may not have reached the heights originally expected, but Charles Michael Yim’s journey is a testament to the unpredictable world of tech entrepreneurship.
While Breathometer’s worth has diminished, Yim’s resilience and continued work in the startup world showcase his commitment to innovation.
For those interested in the highs and lows of startup life, Charles Michael Yim’s net worth serves as a valuable lesson in both the potential and pitfalls of disruptive technologies.
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