A startup founder recently took to X to share a fascinating encounter with an Uber driver in the United States. Vineeth K, the founder of Deals Dhamaka, was surprised to learn that his driver was a retired senior executive with a staggering net worth of $15 million.
The man had previously held a high-ranking C-suite position at a major oil company in the Middle East, amassing significant wealth over the years. However, despite his financial success, he continues to work as an Uber driver simply to stay engaged and avoid boredom.
Vineeth shared that the driver owns two houses in the US worth $1.5 million and additional real estate valued at 3.5 million euros in Bulgaria. His three children are well-established—one is a lawyer in London, while the other two play professional football for a European team.
“He is just staying in the US as his wife is still working. They have a net worth of 15M$ (and are) still working. He was just bored and hence driving uber,” Vineeth wrote in his post.
Met an uber driver today,
— Vineeth K (@DealsDhamaka) March 11, 2025
He worked as a Sr.executive in middle-east based oil company, have 2 houses 1.5M$ in the US, 3.5M Euros in Bulgaria, 3 kids settled – Lawyer in London, 2 of them in football team in EU.
He is just staying in the US as his wife is still working. They…
The story quickly gained traction, amassing over thousands of views and likes within minutes. While some users were amazed by the story, others found it surprising that someone would disclose such personal financial details to a stranger.
“That’s mind boggling – for someone who now drives an uber ! Kudos – maybe there is a lesson in there ( even if we don’t own homes in USA & Bulgaria and net worth of $15 mill),” commented one user. Another joked, “That is a lot to share with a stranger on an uber ride, especially the financial numbers,”
Others shared similar experiences. “I had similar experience once. My flight hit a tech snag and they sent us all home for that night. My driver was a Punjabi who has some 10M in his portfolio. I had a $20 bill and I told him that I’m not sure if I’ve to tip him, to which he said you are tipping for my hard work,” one user recalled.
Another user shared an encounter with a wealthy Uber driver in Riyadh: “Super-rich Arabs drive Uber for recreation. Met one in Riyadh—guy drove a Porsche, dressed impeccably, and smelled of expensive perfume. The ride cost just 11 Riyals.”
The story has sparked a discussion on wealth, work, and personal fulfillment, with many reflecting on how people choose to stay engaged despite financial security.