Mirror Review
October 13, 2025
At just 18, Zach Yadegari co-founded Cal AI, an AI-powered calorie tracker that has already hit $30 million in revenue and 10 million downloads. The app lets users log meals simply by snapping photos, making health tracking smarter and simpler.
But behind this success is a teen entrepreneur whose story is just as remarkable. Here are some lesser-known Zach Yadegari facts that showcase the journey of this Gen Z coder.
10 Interesting Facts About Cal AI Co-founder Zach Yadegari
1. Self-Taught Programmer from a Young Age
Zach began coding at 7 years old, teaching himself through online tutorials and resources. By 8th grade, he had self-taught the entire AP Computer Science Principles curriculum and scored a perfect 5/5. This early drive laid the foundation for his future ventures in tech and entrepreneurship.
2. Began Teaching Coding at Age 10
At just 10 years old, Zach started offering coding lessons for $30 an hour. He advertised his services in local Facebook groups, quickly growing his student base from one to three. This early venture sharpened his teaching and entrepreneurial skills.
3. First App Developed at Age 12
At 12, Zach developed and launched his first app, Speed Soccer, which allowed users to play soccer-themed games on their mobile devices. This was his first step into entrepreneurship and product development.
4. Led Professional Game Engine Classes at 13
By age 13, Zach was mentoring other students, leading Unity game engine classes at kidOYO, a coding and AI platform for kids. This experience showcased his early leadership and technical expertise.
5. Sold a Website for Six Figures at Age 14
At 14, Zach created Totally Science, a website that enabled students to play games at school by bypassing internet blocks. The platform attracted 5 million users and was sold for a six-figure sum, proving his ability to scale digital products successfully.
6. Robotics & STEM Competitions
Zach was President of the Roslyn High School robotics club, won a research competition for a prosthetic hand feedback system, and built a robot that can play the piano during summer study at UPenn.
These accomplishments highlight his versatility, creativity, and ability to balance leadership with technical expertise.
7. Rejected by Multiple Ivy League Schools
Despite achieving a 4.0 GPA and a 34 ACT score, Zach was rejected by 15 out of the 18 top colleges he applied to, including prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and MIT. He sees this as a reflection of traditional admissions criteria not fully valuing entrepreneurial achievements.
8. Opted to Attend College for Social Experience
After careful consideration, Zach decided to attend the University of Miami. He expressed a desire to experience campus life and connect with peers his age, viewing college as an opportunity for personal growth and learning beyond the confines of traditional education.
9. Focused on Real-World Experience Over Traditional Education
Zach believes in the importance of practical experience, self-directed learning, and taking action over sticking strictly to traditional educational paths. These Zach Yadegari facts prove that determination and innovation are key drivers in entrepreneurship.
10. Invested $130,000 of His Own Money into Cal AI
After earning over $100 from Google AdSense on his gaming website, TotallyScience.co, Zach Yadegari reinvested his earnings into building Cal AI. He personally invested $130,000 into the development of the app, demonstrating his commitment and belief in its potential.
Looking ahead, 18-year-old Zach aims to transform Cal AI into a “generational company” that continues to innovate and impact the health and wellness industry positively.
Skills Over Education: Why Gen Z Can Compete with Experienced Professionals
Zach’s story highlights a modern truth: in today’s world, skills often outweigh formal education.
By October 2025, Cal AI was generating over $1.1 million in monthly revenue, showcasing the app’s rapid growth and widespread adoption.
This proves that Gen Z entrepreneurs are utilizing technology, creativity, and determination to challenge traditional hierarchies.
With access to online learning, AI tools, and global networks, young innovators can compete with seasoned professionals not by imitating them, but by being themselves.
Moreover, real-world problem-solving, adaptability, and digital literacy are becoming as critical as college degrees.
Conclusion
These Zach Yadegari facts demonstrate that age is no barrier to innovation.
Zach Yadegari’s journey from a 7-year-old coding in his bedroom to co-founding a multi-million-dollar AI app is a blueprint for Gen Z innovators.
This artificial intelligence news around Zach Yadegari is proof that vision, persistence, and skills can redefine success, even before setting foot on a college campus.
Cal AI isn’t just a calorie-tracking tool; it’s a symbol of what the next generation can achieve when ambition meets technology.
