Charles Michael Yim is a successful American entrepreneur best known for inventing the Breathometer, a smartphone breathalyzer that made a splash on the hit show Shark Tank. From his incredible pitch to securing investments from all five sharks, Charles’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. He combined innovation with personal passion, turning a simple health idea into a viral tech product. Today, many people recognize him not just as a smart businessman, but as someone who made health monitoring easier and more accessible using mobile technology.
What Did Charles Michael Yim Invent?
Charles Michael Yim invented the Breathometer, a compact and portable breathalyzer device that connects to your smartphone. His goal was simple but powerful: give people a way to measure their blood alcohol content (BAC) anytime, anywhere, so they could make safer decisions, especially about drinking and driving.
Before Charles came up with this invention, breathalyzers were usually bulky, expensive, and used mostly by law enforcement. Yim saw a gap in the market — why not make a device that fits in your pocket and works with your phone? That’s how the Breathometer mobile breathalyzer was born. It wasn’t just a gadget; it was a life-saving tool that empowered people to be responsible.
The invention gained huge media coverage and helped raise awareness about alcohol safety, especially among young adults and social drinkers. It also opened the doors for more smart health gadgets to enter the consumer market.
How Did He Get on Shark Tank?
Charles Michael Yim appeared on Season 5 of Shark Tank in 2013. He walked into the tank with confidence, showcasing his innovative breathalyzer and asking for a $250,000 investment in exchange for 10% equity.
What made his pitch stand out wasn’t just the product—it was his energy, passion, and preparation. Yim had already raised $140,000 through Indiegogo, which impressed the sharks. The product was already gaining attention, and it was clear he had a strong vision for the future.
What happened next was rare: all five sharks—Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Robert Herjavec—decided to invest together. They offered $1 million for 30% of the company, making it one of the most memorable deals in Shark Tank history.
This moment made Charles Michael Yim a household name and instantly boosted Breathometer’s credibility and visibility.
What Is Breathometer?
The Breathometer is a small, smart device that connects to your smartphone via the headphone jack or Bluetooth. It lets users check their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) with a simple breath into the device. The idea was to promote responsible drinking and help prevent drunk driving accidents.
Instead of guessing whether you’re too to drive, Breathometer gives you an accurate reading right on your phone screen. It works through a dedicated mobile app that also offers tips, ride-sharing suggestions, and even hydration reminders.
The Breathometer was one of the first smartphone-connected health devices that caught mainstream attention.
What Does It Do?
The Breathometer measures the alcohol level in your breath, estimates your BAC, and tells you whether it’s safe to drive. It’s quick, easy, and non-invasive. The device uses sensors and smart algorithms to deliver fast and fairly accurate readings.
It also integrates with ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, allowing you to call a ride directly if you’re over the legal limit.
Why Did People Like It?
People liked the Breathometer because it was portable, affordable, and easy to use. It turned your smartphone into a personal breathalyzer without needing any special knowledge. Young adults, in particular, found it useful when going out with friends or attending parties.
It was also a cool tech gadget — something that combined health awareness with everyday mobile use. The marketing was strong, and with Shark Tank backing, it became a must-have tool for responsible drinkers.
Where Could You Buy It?
At its peak, the Breathometer was available on major online platforms like Amazon, Best Buy, and its official website. You could also find it in retail stores that sold tech gadgets or health accessories. It was priced competitively, making it accessible for the average consumer.
Where Is Charles Michael Yim From?
Charles Michael Yim is originally from the United States, specifically California. He grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit and had a strong interest in technology and innovation from a young age. California, known as the heart of Silicon Valley, played a big role in shaping his career path.
Yim attended college at UC Berkeley, one of the top public universities in the U.S., where he studied business and finance. After graduation, he quickly made a name for himself in the tech startup scene. His upbringing, education, and environment all combined to create the perfect storm for his success.
What Happened After Shark Tank?
After securing the deal on Shark Tank, Charles and his company saw rapid growth. The Breathometer received massive media attention and began shipping thousands of units worldwide. The team expanded, and partnerships with ride-sharing apps and healthcare services were announced.
However, things didn’t go smoothly forever. In 2017, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) intervened, stating that the device didn’t perform as accurately as advertised. Customers who had purchased it were offered refunds, and the company was required to stop selling the product.
Despite this setback, Yim took full responsibility and used the experience as a learning opportunity. He remained active in the tech world and shifted focus to other ventures.
What Does Charles Do Now?
Today, Charles Michael Yim is still very much involved in the startup world. He mentors young entrepreneurs, invests in promising startups, and speaks at conferences around the globe.
He also started working on other innovative products in the health and wellness space. Though Breathometer didn’t go exactly as planned in the long term, it opened the door for him to become a respected figure in the tech community.
Is He Still an Inventor?
Yes, Charles Michael Yim continues to invent and build. His passion for solving real-world problems hasn’t faded. He’s always looking for ways to use technology for good, especially in areas like health, safety, and sustainability.
His inventions may not always be in the public eye like Breathometer was, but he’s constantly involved in developing new apps, gadgets, and tech platforms.
Does He Work Alone?
No, Charles believes in the power of teamwork. Throughout his career, he has worked with engineers, designers, marketers, and business developers to bring his ideas to life. He surrounds himself with talented people and believes that collaboration is key to any startup’s success.
He also networks with other entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders to stay on top of trends and innovations.
Fun Facts About Charles Michael Yim
- He was the first entrepreneur on Shark Tank to get all five sharks to invest.
- He raised over $140,000 in crowdfunding before even appearing on Shark Tank.
- He studied business at UC Berkeley, a top-tier university in the U.S.
- Charles loves fitness and believes in balancing health with hustle.
- He once said that entrepreneurship is about solving real problems, not just making money.
What Can We Learn from Charles?
Charles Michael Yim teaches us that success comes from a mix of creativity, courage, and resilience. He saw a problem — people driving drunk — and created a solution. Even when things didn’t go perfectly, he didn’t give up. Instead, he learned from his mistakes and moved forward.
His journey is a reminder that entrepreneurship is about trying, failing, learning, and trying again. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it if you’re passionate and focused on making a difference.
The Bottom Line
Charles Michael Yim is more than just the man behind a smartphone breathalyzer. He is a dreamer, a doer, and a digital health pioneer. His story—from launching Breathometer to becoming a respected tech leader—shows us what’s possible when you mix big ideas with bold actions.
Whether you’re an aspiring inventor or just someone curious about smart gadgets, Charles’s story is worth remembering. It tells us that great things can start from a simple idea—and with the right mindset, anything is possible.
