Breathometer, famously introduced on Shark Tank, was a revolutionary smartphone breathalyzer designed to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). Its creator, Charles Michael Yim, gained widespread attention for securing a historic deal with all five Sharks. Despite setbacks like regulatory issues and a major FTC settlement, the company pivoted toward health technology applications, showcasing its adaptability in the tech industry.Charles Michael Yim’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million, reflecting his entrepreneurial resilience.
Yim’s wealth stems from his ventures in innovation, including Breathometer’s transition into health monitoring devices and other projects like Cointopia. While Breathometer faced challenges such as product inaccuracies and customer refunds, its initial success and Yim’s ability to diversify have solidified his standing in the entrepreneurial world. His story remains an inspiration for those navigating the highs and lows of the startup journey.
Charles Michael Yim Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Company Name | Breathometer |
| Founder | Charles Michael Yim |
| Product | Smartphone breathalyzer for blood alcohol content (BAC) testing |
| Shark Tank Appearance | Season Five, pitched in 2013 |
| Investment Deal | Historic deal with all five Sharks (Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec, Kevin O’Leary) |
| Shark Tank Investment Amount | $1 million for 30% equity, split among the Sharks |
| Initial Product Success | Sold through major retailers like Brookstone and Best Buy |
| Challenges Faced | Breathalyzer device inaccuracies, FTC lawsuit, and regulatory issues |
| Pivot Strategy | Shifted focus from BAC testing to health technology applications |
| Key Technologies | Devices for oral care tests, diabetes monitoring, and metabolic rate tracking |
| Total Funding | Over $6 million from investors, including the Shark Tank deal |
| Current Net Worth | Charles Michael Yim is estimated at $5 million |
| Other Ventures | Founded Cointopia, focusing on blockchain and cryptocurrency projects |
| Major Setbacks | FTC settlement, requiring customer refunds and halting original products |
| Achievements | Pioneered smartphone technology applications in health monitoring |
| Health Technology Pivot Success | Integration with platforms like Apple Health Kit |
| Inspiration | Charles Michael Yim’s journey is a blend of innovation, setbacks, and resilience. |
Who is Charles Michael Yim?
Charles Michael Yim is a renowned entrepreneur best known as the founder of Breathometer, the world’s first smartphone breathalyzer. Born on May 9, 1983, in California, Yim gained widespread attention after his groundbreaking pitch on Shark Tank during its fifth season. His innovative ideas and resilience have cemented his reputation as a leader in the tech and health industries.
Beyond Breathometer, Yim has launched several startups, including Cointopia, focusing on blockchain solutions. His career showcases a mix of successes and challenges, reflecting his determination to adapt and excel. Yim’s contributions to technological advancements in health monitoring continue to inspire entrepreneurs worldwide.
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How did Breathometer get started?
Charles Michael Yim founded Breathometer in 2013 with a vision to create a smartphone technology application for BAC testing. The breathalyzer device inaccuracies in traditional models inspired Yim to develop a more portable, user-friendly solution. The original Breathometer technology connected to smartphones, allowing users to track their real-time alcohol content.
Before its appearance on Shark Tank, Breathometer gained attention through funding from investors and retail partnerships with Brookstone and Best Buy. Yim’s innovative pitch attracted significant media coverage, making Breathometer a frontrunner in technological advancements in health monitoring.
| Key Milestones Before Shark Tank | Details |
| Founding Year | 2013 |
| Initial Funding | $2 million in investor funding |
| Retail Partners | Brookstone, Best Buy |
What was the original deal made on Shark Tank?
Breathometer’s pitch on Shark Tank Season Five investments was unforgettable. Yim requested $1 million for a 10% stake, but the Sharks saw immense potential and offered $1 million for 30% equity. This historic deal brought together all five Sharks: Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Robert Herjavec. The Mark Cuban investment was particularly crucial, as it provided the brand with credibility and mentorship.
The funding boosted Breathometer’s visibility, leading to rapid growth in sales. Retail partnerships expanded, and media coverage soared. However, challenges loomed ahead, including regulatory challenges in tech startups and concerns about BAC testing accuracy.
What are the new applications for Breathometer’s technology?
Following regulatory scrutiny and the FTC lawsuit against Breathometer, the company shifted focus. While the original product faced issues with breathalyzer device inaccuracies, Yim reimagined the Breathometer technology for health applications. The health-related pivot strategy introduced devices like the Breeze smartphone-enabled device, which monitored oral care tests, diabetes monitoring, and metabolic rate tracking.
The Apple Health Kit integration further expanded the potential of Breathometer’s offerings. By moving beyond BAC testing, Yim demonstrated the adaptability of technological advancements in health monitoring, ensuring that the company could remain relevant in a competitive market.
What happened to Breathometer after Shark Tank?
Despite the initial success, Breathometer faced significant setbacks. The FTC settlement revealed that its products didn’t meet accuracy claims, leading to customer refunds and reputational damage. The fallout forced Yim to pivot toward innovative health technology applications, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity.
Post-Shark Tank investment returns, Yim founded Cointopia, a platform for blockchain startups. This move highlighted his ability to learn from the impact of product inaccuracies and find success in new ventures. Breathometer’s transition from BAC testing to health-related pivot strategy proved that setbacks don’t define an entrepreneur’s journey.
| Charles Michael Yim’s Key Achievements | Details |
| Shark Tank Deal | $1 million for 30% equity |
| Pioneering Device | First smartphone-enabled breathalyzer |
| Health Tech Innovations | Breeze for oral and metabolic health |
How much is Charles Michael Yim worth today?
Charles Michael Yim net worth is estimated at $5 million. Much of this stems from the Shark Tank investment returns and his ventures beyond Breathometer, such as Cointopia. Yim’s ability to pivot and explore new industries underscores his place among entrepreneurial success stories.
While Breathometer’s growth and setbacks remain a case study in regulatory challenges in tech startups, Yim’s adaptability and innovation keep him in the spotlight. His story is a testament to the resilience required to thrive in competitive industries.
Conclusion
Charles Michael Yim’s net worth reflects the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Despite Breathometer’s struggles with product inaccuracies and regulatory issues, Yim’s innovative approach to health technology applications and his ability to pivot have kept him relevant in the startup world.
His Shark Tank appearance and the subsequent Mark Cuban investment gave him a boost, but challenges like the FTC lawsuit ultimately shaped his path. With ventures like Cointopia, Yim continues to contribute to technology and health monitoring devices, solidifying his status as a resilient entrepreneur.
FAQ’s
What is Charles Michael Yim known for?
Charles Michael Yim gained recognition for creating Breathometer, a smartphone breathalyzer, and appearing on Shark Tank.
How much was the Breathometer deal on Shark Tank?
Yim secured a $1 million investment for 30% ownership in Breathometer from all five Shark Tank investors.
What happened to Breathometer after Shark Tank?
After facing product inaccuracies and regulatory issues, Breathometer pivoted to explore health technology applications.
What are the new applications of Breathometer’s technology?
Breathometer’s technology powers devices that test oral care, monitor diabetes, and track metabolic rates.
Is Charles Michael Yim still involved in startups?
Yes, Yim continues to innovate, recently launching Cointopia, a blockchain-based startup.
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