In the modern age of entrepreneurship, few stories are as remarkable as that of Ben Pasternak, a self-taught tech prodigy from Australia who built successful companies before most teenagers even graduate high school. Today, Ben is best known as the founder of Simulate, a food technology company best recognized for its alternative meat product NUGGS. But how did he go from developing mobile apps as a teenager to building a multimillion-dollar company? And more importantly, how much is he worth today?
Let’s take a deep dive into Ben Pasternak’s net worth, tracing his career, business moves, and financial milestones.
Early Life and Entry into Tech
Born in 1999 in Sydney, Australia, Ben Pasternak showed signs of brilliance early on. While most kids his age were focused on school and video games, Ben was more interested in creating them. He taught himself how to code, not from school, but from watching YouTube tutorials and reading forums online.
At the age of 13, he developed his first app Impossible Rush, which quickly became a viral hit. Within weeks of launching, the app gained millions of downloads on Apple’s App Store. This early success opened doors that most seasoned tech professionals would envy.
Dropping Out and Moving to New York
Ben’s success with Impossible Rush led to a flurry of media attention and investor interest. While still in high school, he was approached by several major tech firms including Facebook and Google who offered him internships. Instead of accepting them, he made a bold move: he dropped out of school at age 15 and moved to New York City to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
He became the youngest person to receive venture capital funding in the U.S. at the time. This wasn’t just a headline, it was a turning point.
App Ventures: Flogg and Monkey
Flogg
Ben’s first funded startup was Flogg, a social marketplace app that allowed teenagers to buy and sell things with their friends. The app was popular for a while and even reached #1 on the U.S. App Store, but eventually, it was discontinued due to changing user interest.
Monkey
Not long after, Ben co-founded Monkey, a video chat app designed for teenagers. It matched users with other teens to talk via video in real-time, something like a friendlier version of Chatroulette. This app was even more successful, with over 20 million users at its peak.
In 2018, Monkey was acquired by Holla, a social networking company. While the exact amount wasn’t publicly disclosed, it reportedly earned Ben a multi-million-dollar payout, setting the foundation for his next big venture.
Simulate and the Rise of NUGGS
In 2018, Ben shifted gears from tech into food technology. He founded Simulate, a company aiming to revolutionize the way we think about food, specifically meat alternatives. The company’s first product was NUGGS, a plant-based chicken nugget that aimed to mimic the taste and texture of real chicken.
Simulate was more than just another vegan food brand. It positioned itself as a “software company that happens to sell food,” using data and customer feedback to continuously update its formulas much like how apps update their versions. This approach grabbed the attention of investors and the media alike.
Simulate’s Explosive Growth
Here are some key milestones in Simulate’s journey:
- Raised over $50 million in venture funding from big names like Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Alexis Ohanian (co-founder of Reddit), and VC firm Initialized Capital.
- By 2021, Simulate had reached a valuation of $250 million, just three years after its founding.
- Products from Simulate are now sold at Target, Walmart, Whole Foods, and online via their own platform.
- Ben stepped down as CEO in 2022 but remains involved with the company at a strategic level.
So, What Is Ben Pasternak’s Net Worth?
While Ben is relatively private about his personal finances, various estimates have been made based on public data, investments, and company valuations.
Estimated Net Worth: $10 million – $22 million (as of 2025)
- Taddler estimates it at around $5 million, likely conservative and based on earlier years.
- The USA Leaders listed him at $22 million, citing the value of his stake in Simulate and his earnings from Monkey.
- Other sources including startup forums and investment analysts put his net worth at around $13–18 million, based on Simulate’s equity structure.
How Does He Make His Money?
Ben’s wealth doesn’t come from just one source. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Startup Equity
As the founder of multiple tech startups and the majority stakeholder in Simulate, Ben’s equity is his most valuable asset.
2. Acquisition Earnings
His payout from the Monkey app acquisition contributed significantly to his early wealth though the amount remains private, it was reportedly in the millions.
3. Media and Public Speaking
Ben frequently appears at tech conferences, interviews, and podcasts. Though not a primary income stream, it adds to his public brand and influence.
4. Private Investments
With the capital he has raised, he’s rumored to have made investments in other startups, though details are limited.
What Makes Ben Pasternak Stand Out?
Ben Pasternak is not your average entrepreneur. Here’s why he’s become such a unique figure in the startup world:
- Started coding at 13 and created viral success before age 16.
- Took big risks early, including dropping out of school and relocating continents.
- Switched industries from social media apps to food tech and found success in both.
- Has consistently stayed ahead of trends, from Gen Z platforms to plant-based foods.
Final Thoughts
At only 26 years old, Ben Pasternak has already accomplished more than many do in a lifetime. His journey reflects not just talent and hard work, but also vision, timing, and an incredible appetite for risk. As of 2025, his estimated net worth ranges between $10 and $22 million, depending on the valuation of his holdings and future exits.
But even beyond the numbers, what’s most impressive is that Ben continues to innovate, invest, and lead and there’s no doubt that his biggest contributions may still lie ahead.
For similar content visit here
