Mate Rimac was born in Livno, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a town near the Croatian border. His family later moved to Germany before eventually settling in Croatia.

Rimac's family lived in Germany for a time, which may have played a role in sparking his early interest in cars and automotive technology. Specific details about this period are scarce, but it's believed his early experiences in Germany contributed to his passion.

The Rimac family moved to Croatia. During his childhood, Mate displayed a strong inclination for tinkering and innovation, often modifying and improving upon existing technologies. He demonstrated an early aptitude for problem-solving and engineering.

During high school, Rimac showed an increased interest in electronics and electric vehicles. He began participating in technology competitions, showcasing his early innovations. These early projects laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.

Rimac won the Global Challenge (Croatia) innovation award. This recognition served as validation for his early efforts and provided a platform to further develop his ideas.