When Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools (also known as Da Vinci Eye) appeared on Shark Tank Season 15, it introduced a futuristic way to make drawing more accessible to everyone. By blending augmented reality with traditional tracing techniques, the app transforms a smartphone into an interactive drawing assistant.
But despite an engaging demo, the Sharks weren’t biting. No deal was made.
Yet that rejection turned into a springboard for massive growth. Today, the Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools net worth is estimated at $7 million in 2025.
With over 20 million downloads, glowing reviews, and continued updates, the company’s story is a powerful example of how a “no” can turn into a “not yet”. Let’s dive into how founder David Chmura built a global art-tech empire without a Shark.
Who Created Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools?
David Chmura is a Philadelphia-based creative professional with a background in advertising and design. A graduate of Drexel University, he worked for years in creative strategy before launching his own venture.
Inspired by the idea of making art more approachable, Chmura created Da Vinci Eye to help users learn how to draw by tracing virtual projections on any surface. “You don’t need to be born with talent to draw well, you need the right tools,” he once shared.
Since launching, Chmura’s personal net worth has grown to an estimated $1.5 million, largely due to his decision to retain 100% equity in the company. However Samuel Gherman’s net worth is unknown as of 2025.
The Shark Tank Pitch: A Bold Ask, No Deal
On Shark Tank Season 15, Episode 16, Chmura pitched Da Vinci Eye and asked for $175,000 for 5% equity, valuing his business at $3.5 million.
He wowed the Sharks with a live demonstration, showing how users could use their phones to project and trace images with impressive accuracy. Mark Cuban called it “cool”, and Kevin O’Leary was intrigued by the app’s simplicity.
But despite the excitement, the Sharks had doubts.
Barbara Corcoran worried about copycat apps. Lori Greiner questioned the long-term market. And Daymond John said, “You’re doing well on your own. I just don’t know how I’d add value”.
In the end, none of the Sharks made an offer. Chmura left without a deal, but not without momentum.
Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools Pitch on Shark Tank (Quick Info Card).
| Product | A smart AR art projector app |
| Episode | Season 15 Episode 16 |
| Founder | Samuel Gherman |
| Asked for | $350,000 for 5% equity |
| Company name | Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools |
| Final deal | No deal |
| Shark | No shark |
| Location | New York |
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What Happened After Shark Tank?
Although he didn’t get a deal, the exposure from Shark Tank turned into a major growth opportunity.
Within weeks of the episode airing, downloads of Da Vinci Eye spiked by more than 300%. The app quickly climbed the App Store charts, landing in the top 10 for Art and Design.
In the year following the show, the app generated over $4 million in sales. Chmura expanded the platform by launching new features like Canvas Mode, Creator Toolkits, and even plans for physical drawing accessories.
“Shark Tank gave us validation, even without an investment, It created instant trust and visibility.
Chmura
Today, the app has been downloaded in over 150 countries and continues to attract new users daily.
RELATED: SHARK TANK DEALS FAILED TO CONTINUE AFTER THE SHOW
Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools Reviews: What Are People Saying?
Da Vinci Eye has earned a strong reputation among artists, educators, and creators alike. With a 4.8-star rating on iOS, users love its ease of use and innovative functionality.
However, a few challenges have surfaced
Android issues Some users have reported performance problems on older Android devices
Learning curve While beginner-friendly, some features require extra time to master
Pricing confusion There’s occasional confusion between the basic app, one-time upgrades, and Pro subscriptions
One user wrote, “Great tool, but I had to dig through tutorials to unlock its full potential”.
To address these issues, the team rolled out clearer onboarding steps and updated tutorials, improving the user experience across both platforms.
Is the Company Sold or Closed?
No. Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools is neither sold nor closed.
The company is still 100% owned and operated by David Chmura. It continues to operate under the name Da Vinci Eye, with regular updates and new features being added frequently.
What Went Wrong for the Sharks?
The Sharks passed on the opportunity due to several concerns
Saturation in the app marketplace
Risk of cheap copycats
Uncertainty around user retention
These concerns, however, didn’t stop the company’s growth. Chmura’s strategy focused on continuous updates, a loyal community, and a great user experience. That combination helped him stay ahead of any potential clones.
What seemed risky to the Sharks became a winning formula for the founder.
How Much Did the Sharks Make from Da Vinci Eye?
None of the Sharks made any money from Da Vinci Eye, because no investment was made.
That decision may have cost them. Today, with the company valued at $7 million, a 10% stake would be worth $700,000, quadrupling the original $175,000 ask.
Chmura’s choice to maintain full ownership has allowed him to keep all profits and decision-making power.
Final Verdict: Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools Net Worth in 2025
Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools net worth in 2025 is estimated at $7 million. What began as a solo side project has grown into a global creative platform.
Despite being turned down on Shark Tank, David Chmura turned that moment into a growth engine, leveraging national exposure, strong product development, and a loyal user base.
His story proves that a “no” from the Sharks doesn’t mean failure. In some cases, it’s just the start of something even bigger.
“Sometimes, walking away is what leads you to your biggest win”.
Chmura
TL;DR
Da Vinci AR Drawing Tools net worth is $7 million in 2025. Despite not landing a Shark Tank deal, the app soared in sales and success.
