Mark Cuban Shares His Worst Shark Tank Investment Ever

Mark Cuban Shares His Worst Shark Tank Investment Ever


June 14, 2023 | Eul Basa

Mark Cuban Shares His Worst Shark Tank Investment Ever


Mark Cuban, the billionaire investor on ABC's "Shark Tank," doesn't always strike gold. Speaking on the "Full Send" podcast, the 64-year-old tech mogul admitted that despite investing in a total of 85 startups so far, he has yet to reap the benefits.

"I haven’t gotten out more than I have put in, but that doesn’t account for all the ongoing, operating businesses and their valuations," he explained.

According to him, the worst investment deal he ever made on the show was with the Breathometer. Charles Michael Yim, the entrepreneur behind the Breathometer, claimed that his plastic smartphone attachment could produce accurate BAC level readings, which would therefore help its users make safer decisions. Marketed as "the world's first smartphone breathalyzer," the concept impressed all five of the Sharks, who ultimately agreed on a joint investment: $1 million for a 30% stake (valuing Yim's company at 3.3. million).

Unfortunately, Yim proved difficult to work with. Cuban revealed that despite the potential of the product, Yim failed to keep his focus on the company, resulting in its own downfall.

"It was a great product; but, the guy, Charles – I’d look at his Instagram and he’d be in Bora Bora. Two weeks later, he’d been in Vegas partying, and then he’d be on Necker Island with Richard Branson."

BreathometerYouTube

"I’d text him, like "What the f— are you doing? You’re supposed to be working,'" Cuban said. Yim would simply reply that he was "networking" for the company, but over time, his habits caught up to him. Eventually, all of the money was gone.

But that's not all — in 2017, the Federal Trade Commission filed a complaint against Yim, saying he had misled customers about the Breathometer's ability to produce accurate BAC level readings. According to the FTC, Breathometer never conducted appropriate testing on the device, despite claiming that it had been tested under "government lab" standards.

Yim later responded to Cuban's comments, telling CNBC Make It that Cuban's comments were "completely off" and that he never used the company's money to party. He defended his trip to Necker Island, in particular, saying he was there to pitch the Breathometer to Richard Branson. In fact, Branson was reportedly impressed by the product, and Yim became a finalist in Branson's Extreme Tech Challenge in 2015.

"You can’t look at someone’s social media and take it for face value. That’s not how social media works," Yim said.

Today, the Breathometer is no longer available for purchase on Yim's website, and the company is reportedly soon to be acquired.

Source

 


READ MORE

Managed vs. Self-Directed Investment Portfolios: Which Is Right For You?

Investing can be complicated, particularly if you're building your investment portfolio for the first time. Are you a passive investor, or do you want to be involved in the process? Let's explore whether managed or self-directed investing would be best for you.
July 1, 2025 Jack Hawkins

Warren Buffett's Best Middle-Class Money Advice

The Oracle of Omaha wasn't always a financial Titan. He was from the middle class, just like you, but he's made incredibly shrewd money decisions over the last several decades, making him one of the richest men in the world. Learn from him as he shares his middle class money advice in this piece.
April 1, 2025 Jack Hawkins

20 Side Hustles To Try While Working Full-Time

Over one-third of American adults have a side hustle alongside their full-time job. Whether you're one of those people already looking for new ideas, or you want to bring in a little extra money every month, here are 20 side hustles you can try—without giving up your 9-to-5 job.
October 1, 2024 Jack Hawkins
affordabledentalinternal

Perfect Teeth At Last With Affordable Dental Implants

Unhappy with your teeth? Advancements in technology have made dental implants the best option for achieving the perfect smile.
February 1, 2023 Eul Basa

10 Vintage Sports Cards That Are Worth a Fortune Today

Explore the lucrative world of vintage sports cards with a deep dive into 10 cards that have skyrocketed in value over the years. From baseball legends to basketball icons, uncover the stories and prices behind these treasured collectibles.
November 1, 2023 Sammy Tran
Things Baby Boomers Shouldn’t Waste Money On

16 Things Baby Boomers Shouldn’t Waste Money On

Discover the top 16 expenses baby boomers should avoid for a secure financial future. From unnecessary gadgets to overspending on luxury items, learn how to prioritize your spending wisely and make the most of your hard-earned money.
May 1, 2024 Sammy Tran


Disclaimer

The information on MoneyMade.com is intended to support financial literacy and should not be considered tax or legal advice. It is not meant to serve as a forecast, research report, or investment recommendation, nor should it be taken as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or adopt any particular investment strategy. All financial, tax, and legal decisions should be made with the help of a qualified professional. We do not guarantee the accuracy, timeliness, or outcomes associated with the use of this content.





Dear reader,


It’s true what they say: money makes the world go round. In order to succeed in this life, you need to have a good grasp of key financial concepts. That’s where Moneymade comes in. Our mission is to provide you with the best financial advice and information to help you navigate this ever-changing world. Sometimes, generating wealth just requires common sense. Don’t max out your credit card if you can’t afford the interest payments. Don’t overspend on Christmas shopping. When ordering gifts on Amazon, make sure you factor in taxes and shipping costs. If you need a new car, consider a model that’s easy to repair instead of an expensive BMW or Mercedes. Sometimes you dream vacation to Hawaii or the Bahamas just isn’t in the budget, but there may be more affordable all-inclusive hotels if you know where to look.


Looking for a new home? Make sure you get a mortgage rate that works for you. That means understanding the difference between fixed and variable interest rates. Whether you’re looking to learn how to make money, save money, or invest your money, our well-researched and insightful content will set you on the path to financial success. Passionate about mortgage rates, real estate, investing, saving, or anything money-related? Looking to learn how to generate wealth? Improve your life today with Moneymade. If you have any feedback for the MoneyMade team, please reach out to [email protected]. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,

The Moneymade team