Robert Herjavec

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Robert Herjavec (born September 14, 1962) is a Canadian businessman, investor, television personality, and author. He is the founder of Herjavec Group (now part of Cyderes), one of North America's largest information technology security companies, which he led as CEO until 2024. Herjavec is known for his appearances as an investor on the CBC television series Dragon's Den (2006-2012) and the ABC series Shark Tank (2009-present), where he has invested over $16 million in entrepreneurial ventures.

Born in what was then Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Herjavec immigrated to Canada with his parents at age eight, arriving with only $20 and a single suitcase. His rags-to-riches story - from a non-English-speaking immigrant child to technology entrepreneur and television star - has made him a prominent motivational speaker and author of multiple bestselling books on business success. He previously founded BRAK Systems, an internet security company he sold to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000.

Early life and immigration

Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, in Varaždin, in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (in present-day Croatia). He spent his early childhood in the nearby village of Zbjeg, living on his uncle's farm in humble circumstances - his childhood home had dirt floors, hay, and no running water. Despite the material poverty, Herjavec has described his early years as filled with love and family support.

His father, Vladimir Herjavec, was staunchly anti-Communist, which created significant problems for the family under Yugoslavia's Tito regime. The elder Herjavec was jailed 22 times for speaking out against the government. After his final imprisonment, he was warned that his chances had run out, prompting the family to flee.

In 1970, when Robert was eight years old, the Herjavec family emigrated from Yugoslavia aboard the ocean liner Cristoforo Colombo, arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with just $20 in their pockets and a single suitcase of possessions. The family eventually settled in Toronto, where they lived in the basement apartment of a family friend's home for 18 months.

The transition was difficult for young Robert, who did not speak English upon arrival. His father, who had been a manager in Yugoslavia, was forced to take a job sweeping floors in a factory in Mississauga, earning $76 per week. The downgrade in status took a toll on Vladimir, who was "never quite the same," according to his son. Nevertheless, his father became a formative influence on Robert's character. Vladimir would walk to work to save money on bus fare and instructed his son never to complain - a principle that Herjavec credits with sparking his sense of courage and determination.

Another influential childhood experience occurred when a traveling salesman persuaded Herjavec's mother to purchase a vacuum cleaner for $500 - seven weeks of the family's salary. The incident left a lasting impression on Herjavec, who vowed that his family would never be taken advantage of again.

Herjavec has reflected on how his immigrant experience shaped his drive: "All I remember was not wanting to be poor. There's a certain fear and uncertainty I still harbor to this day that I think is hard to let go of when you're displaced in that way."

Education

Herjavec attended high school in the Toronto area and later enrolled at New College at the University of Toronto. In 1984, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and political science.

Career

Early career

After graduating from university, Herjavec struggled to find work during a period between film production jobs. He applied for a position at Logiquest, a company that sold IBM mainframe emulation boards. Although unqualified for the role, he convinced the company to hire him by offering to work for free for six months. To pay his rent during this unpaid period, Herjavec waited tables at a restaurant. His gamble paid off - he eventually rose through the ranks to become General Manager of Logiquest.

BRAK Systems

In 1990, after being fired from Logiquest, Herjavec founded BRAK Systems, a Canadian integrator of Internet security software, from the basement of his home. He built the company over the next decade, establishing it as a significant player in the emerging cybersecurity industry.

In March 2000, at the height of the dot-com bubble, Herjavec sold BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada (now Allstream Inc.) for $30.2 million, achieving his first major entrepreneurial success.

Following the sale, Herjavec served as Vice President of Sales at Ramp Network, a company that was subsequently acquired by Nokia for $225 million.

Herjavec Group

In 2003, Herjavec invested $20,000 to launch Herjavec Group, a security solutions integrator, reseller, and managed security service provider, alongside several colleagues from his previous ventures, including co-founder George Frempong. The company's first year was challenging - against a sales target of $5 million, the firm generated only $400,000, and Herjavec was convinced it would fail.

However, by partnering with emerging cybersecurity technology providers from Silicon Valley and introducing innovative products, the company gained traction. Through strategic acquisitions of companies in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, Herjavec Group grew to become one of Canada's fastest-growing technology companies and the country's largest information technology security provider, generating over $200 million in annual revenue.

In 2021, Apax Partners, a private equity firm, acquired a majority stake in Herjavec Group. The company subsequently merged with Fishtech Group and rebranded as Cyderes. Herjavec served as CEO of the combined entity until September 2024, when he announced he was stepping down from the role.

Television career

Dragon's Den

Herjavec's television career began in 2006 when he joined the panel of investors on the CBC reality series Dragon's Den, the Canadian predecessor to Shark Tank. He appeared as a "Dragon" for the first six seasons of the show (2006-2012), becoming one of its most recognizable personalities.

His work on Dragon's Den earned him three Gemini Awards as part of the ensemble cast for Outstanding Reality Show in Canada.

Shark Tank

In 2009, Herjavec joined the American version of the format, Shark Tank, as one of the original investor panelists on ABC. The show has been both a ratings and critical success, winning the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Structured Reality Program four times. Herjavec is credited as an Emmy Award-winning executive producer on the series.

Through 2024, Herjavec has invested over $16 million in small businesses on Shark Tank, spanning consumer products, technology startups, and service companies.

Notable investments include:

Tipsy Elves: Herjavec invested $100,000 in this novelty ugly sweater and clothing company. The investment became one of his most successful, with Tipsy Elves generating over $70 million in sales within a few years and reaching $160 million in sales in 2024.
Butter Cloth: He invested $250,000 for 25% equity in this premium dress shirt company, which grew to over $6 million in annual revenue by 2024.
Aura Bora: An herbal sparkling water company in his portfolio.

Shark Tank Australia

In 2023, Herjavec expanded his television presence by joining Shark Tank Australia on Network 10, while also returning to the Canadian Dragon's Den.

Books

Herjavec is a bestselling author of three books on business and success:

Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life (2010)
The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding (2013)
You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success (2016)

Two of his books made the New York Times bestseller list simultaneously, earning him recognition as a bestselling author.

Motorsport

Outside of business, Herjavec is an avid car enthusiast and competitive race car driver. For several years, he competed as Ferrari #007 for Herjavec Group Racing in the Ferrari Challenge North America Series, achieving multiple podium finishes and winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2011.

Herjavec maintains an extensive collection of exotic cars, including Ferraris, Porsches, and other high-performance vehicles. He has stated that his white 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is among his most prized possessions.

Awards and honors

Ernst & Young Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology (2012)
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for Outstanding Service to Canada (2012)
Three Gemini Awards for Outstanding Reality Show (Dragon's Den)
Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer (Shark Tank)

Personal life

First marriage

Herjavec married Dr. Diane Plese, an optometrist, in 1990. They had met in 1988 when he visited the clinic where she worked for an eye examination. After dating for two years, they married in a Croatian church in Mississauga, Ontario.

The couple had three children together: daughters Caprice and Skye, and son Brendan. After 24 years of marriage, Herjavec and Plese separated in July 2014 and finalized their divorce in early 2016. In June 2019, a judge ruled that Herjavec must pay his ex-wife additional sums bringing the total settlement to $25 million.

Second marriage

In 2015, Herjavec was paired with Australian professional dancer Kym Johnson for Season 20 of Dancing with the Stars. The couple finished in sixth place, eliminated in week 8 of the competition. A romantic relationship developed during filming, complicated by the fact that Herjavec was still going through his divorce proceedings at the time.

In September 2015, Herjavec publicly confirmed his relationship with Johnson. The couple became engaged on February 27, 2016, and married on July 31, 2016, in Los Angeles, California.

In December 2017, Herjavec and Johnson announced they were expecting twins. Their children, son Hudson Robert and daughter Haven Mae, were born on April 23, 2018.

Net worth

Estimates of Herjavec's net worth vary significantly due to his holdings in private companies and investments. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated between $300 million and $600 million. His wealth derives from the sale of BRAK Systems, his equity in Herjavec Group/Cyderes, Shark Tank investments and television earnings, speaking fees, and book royalties.

References

External links