TechCrunch Startup News MyFitnessPal has acquired Cal AI, the viral calorie app built by teens
Mar 3, 2026
A major fitness app has acquired a viral calorie-counting app built by teens. The deal keeps the small founding team and the app independent while tapping into a huge nutrition database. Discussion covers why the buyer pursued the rival, product positioning of speed versus accuracy, and the young founder’s unusual backstory and college plans.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Acquisition Driven By Rapid Traction
- MyFitnessPal acquired CalAI after watching its rapid App Store rise and revenue traction.
- CalAI hit 15M downloads and ~$30M ARR in under two years, prompting MFP to pursue acquisition rather than build internally.
Young Founders Running Weekend Standups
- Mike Fisher was impressed by CalAI founders' seriousness despite their youth and media attention.
- The team holds stand-ups Sunday nights because founders are still in school, showing dedication while Zach Yadigari attends college.
Founder Balances College And Running Startup
- Zach Yadigari continues to run CalAI as a MyFitnessPal unit while attending college.
- He went viral after revealing rejections from 15 of 18 top colleges despite a 4.0 GPA and a successful startup.