Success Story of a Teenage Entrepreneur
An 18-year-old from Long Island has made significant waves in both the tech and fitness industries with his innovative AI-powered calorie tracking application. Zach Yadegari, the CEO of Cal AI, has developed an app that uses artificial intelligence to scan food items and estimate their nutritional content. The app has garnered over 5 million downloads and is on track to generate $30 million in revenue this year.
Early Beginnings and Achievements
Yadegari’s journey into the tech world began at the age of 7 when he started watching YouTube tutorials on coding. By the time he was 16, he had already sold his first website to an international gaming company for a substantial six-figure sum. His latest venture, Cal AI, was born out of frustration with existing nutrition apps. The app allows users to scan food items, and through AI, it estimates calories, protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Yadegari believes that this blend of human and AI interaction represents the future.
Balancing Entrepreneurship and Education
Despite leading a team of 17 full-time employees, many of whom are older than him, Yadegari has managed to maintain a 4.0 GPA during his senior year at Roslyn High School. He achieved a 34 ACT score, showcasing his academic prowess alongside his entrepreneurial spirit.
Ivy League Rejections Spark Debate
However, Yadegari’s journey has not been without its challenges. He was rejected by 15 out of the 18 colleges he applied to, including several Ivy League institutions. This experience led him to question whether elite universities truly value entrepreneurial achievements. Yadegari shared his disappointment on X (formerly Twitter), which sparked a viral debate with his post garnering over 28 million views. He expressed his intention to find alternative platforms to cultivate his community, stating, “I guess it is their loss. I’ll find somewhere else to do it.”
Advice to Aspiring Coders
For those considering a career in coding, Yadegari advises, “My advice is always to get started now.” His story serves as an inspiration to young entrepreneurs and coders, demonstrating that success can be achieved through dedication and innovation.
Yadegari’s Cal AI continues to make significant strides in the health and tech industries, demonstrating the potential of AI in everyday applications and the impact of entrepreneurial spirit at a young age.
