David Ben David at a Glance
- Net Worth (2025): $15 Million
- Birthdate:
- Birthplace: The Bronx, New York, U.S.
- Profession: Designer, Entrepreneur, Founder & Creative Director of Sprayground
- Nationality: American
- Major Achievements: Founded Sprayground (2010), creator of the iconic “Shark Mouth” backpack, secured high-profile collaborations with the NBA, Porsche, and Star Wars.
- Education: School of Visual Arts (Degree in Graphic Design)
Table of Contents
What is David Ben David’s Net Worth?
David Ben David is an American designer and entrepreneur who has an estimated net worth of $15 million. It is important to note that this figure is an estimate, as his finances are not publicly disclosed by sources like Forbes.
His entire fortune is derived from his ownership and role as the founder and creative director of the global backpack and accessories brand, Sprayground. He created a new market by “turning the mundane into the insane,” transforming a simple travel item into a collectible piece of art. The Sprayground founder’s wealth is a direct result of his company’s massive cult following and expansion into over 30 countries.
Early Life
David Ben David was raised in both The Bronx, New York, and Miami, Florida. From a young kid, he was immersed in the cultures of street art, skating, and surfing. He was always traveling with a backpack, but grew frustrated that every bag was “boring and generic,” as he stated in an interview with The Observer.
He saw a massive gap in the market. While brands like Swatch had revolutionized watches and Skullcandy had reimagined headphones, the bag industry remained stagnant.
This vision led him to the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where he earned a degree in graphic design. This formal training, combined with his raw street-art roots, provided the perfect foundation for his future enterprise.
In 2010, David Ben David, along with business partner Eddie Shabot, launched Sprayground. His mission was clear: to create a backpack that was not just an accessory, but a statement.
The brand’s first-ever design, the “Hello My Name Is” backpack, was an immediate success. Inspired by the iconic graffiti sticker, it resonated authenticity and sold out almost instantly.
This initial success, however, brought a new pressure: avoiding the “one-hit wonder” label.
Ben David’s follow-up design, the “Money Stacks” backpack, was an even bigger phenomenon. It was embraced by athletes, musicians, and fashion leaders, cementing Sprayground as a major player.
From there, he introduced the brand’s most iconic and recognizable design: the “Shark Mouth.” This graphic, often seen on vintage fighter planes, became Sprayground’s signature. Ben David explained the shark mouth represents power, individuality, and a rebellious spirit—a warning to competitors that his brand was a dominant force.
A Master of Collaboration (Business Ventures)
A huge part of how David Ben David got rich is his genius for collaboration. He has a unique ability to merge Sprayground’s rebellious DNA with some of the biggest brands in the world.
His philosophy is to only work with partners where the “flow is organic.” This has led to legendary, limited-edition drops with:
- Spike Lee
- The NBA
- Porsche
- Star Wars
- Marvel
- Shaquille O’Neal
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
These collaborations are not just logo-slaps; they are complete reinterpretations. When working with Nickelodeon on a Spongebob Squarepants bag, he famously insisted on putting the “Shark Mouth” on Spongebob—a move so extreme it had to be approved by the cartoon’s original creator.
Personal Life & Lifestyle
David Ben David’s personal life is almost entirely intertwined with his brand. He serves as the “visionary” and creative director, traveling the world relentlessly to find inspiration.
He has stated that he finds inspiration everywhere, from the streets of New York to the nature in Hong Kong. His lifestyle reflects the brand’s identity: fast-moving, creative, and constantly pushing boundaries. He is known for his hands-on approach, overseeing everything from the initial design to the brand’s rebellious marketing.
Salary & Career Earnings Growth
As the founder and primary owner of Sprayground, David Ben David does not draw a conventional David Ben David salary. His earnings come from the company’s profits and overall valuation.
While Sprayground’s specific financials are private, its growth has been exponential. What started as a single backpack in 2010 has exploded into a global accessories empire that includes luggage, outerwear, and footwear. The company’s strategy of releasing limited-edition “drops” creates a collectible market, similar to sneaker culture, driving high demand and premium prices.
This table illustrates the conceptual growth of his earnings, which are tied directly to his brand’s expansion.
| Founds Sprayground; “Hello My Name Is” bag launches (2010) | Initial seed capital & first sales. |
| “Money Stacks” bag becomes a celebrity hit (2011) | Rapid increase in brand recognition and sales. |
| Introduces “Shark Mouth” design; begins international expansion (2012–2015) | Ownership of brand equity; massive sales growth. |
| Secures major collaborations (e.g., NBA, Marvel) (2016–2020) | Licensing deals; diversification into new product lines. |
| Becomes a global lifestyle brand with luxury collabs (e.g., Porsche) (2021–2025) | Profits from a globally recognized, multi-million dollar company. |
FAQ
Who is David Ben David?
David Ben David is an American entrepreneur and designer. He is the founder and creative director of the global backpack and accessories brand, Sprayground.
How did David Ben David start Sprayground?
He started Sprayground in 2010 because he was tired of the “boring and generic” backpacks on the market. Using his graphic design degree and street art background, he created his first bag, the “Hello My Name Is” backpack, which sold out immediately.
What does the Sprayground shark mouth mean?
According to founder David Ben David, the iconic “Shark Mouth” design represents power, individuality, and a rebellious attitude. It was inspired by the graphics on the side of vintage fighter planes.
Is Sprayground considered a luxury brand?
Sprayground occupies a unique space between streetwear and luxury. While its prices are accessible (typically $80-$200), its limited-edition “drop” model, high-profile collaborations (like Porsche), and collectible nature give it a status similar to luxury streetwear brands.
