Robert Herjavec

Early Life and Immigration

Robert Herjavec was born in 1962 in Varaždin, in what was then SFR Yugoslavia and is now Croatia, and spent his early childhood in the village of Zbjeg. His family's life was upended by his father Vladimir's political dissent, as he was jailed 22 times for speaking out against the Communist government, a fact Herjavec has attributed to his father drinking and then saying bad things about the system. In 1970, when Robert was eight years old, the family fled the country, arriving in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with only twenty dollars to their name. They eventually settled in Toronto, where they lived in the basement of a family friend's home for 18 months, a period Herjavec has described as a difficult economic and cultural transition. Having grown up on a farm and speaking no English, he found himself in a much poorer socioeconomic class than his new neighbours, which fueled his early drive. He graduated from the University of Toronto's New College in 1984 with a degree in English literature and political science. During the 1980s, he worked numerous minimum wage jobs, including waiting tables, delivering newspapers, and working in retail and debt collection, to support himself and his family as he built his career from the ground up in a new country.

Business Career

Herjavec's professional career began unconventionally in the mid-1980s with work in the film industry, where he served as a third assistant director on projects like Cain and Abel and The Return of Billy Jack. He was also a field producer for Global TV's coverage of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, gaining early media production experience. Seeking steadier work between productions, he applied for a sales position at Logiquest selling IBM mainframe emulation boards, a technology firm, despite lacking qualifications. He secured the job by offering to work without pay for six months, supporting himself by waiting tables during that period to pay his rent. His perseverance paid off, and he eventually rose to become the company's general manager before being fired in 1990. That same year, he founded BRAK Systems, an Internet security software integrator, from the basement of his home. The company proved highly successful and was sold to AT&T Canada, now Allstream Inc., in March 2000 for $30.2 million. Following this exit, Herjavec served as vice president of sales at Ramp Network, which was later sold to Nokia for $225 million, adding to his track record of successful tech exits and providing capital for his next venture.

In 2003, he founded The Herjavec Group, a security solutions integrator, reseller, and managed service provider, starting with just three employees and $400,000 in sales. The company grew rapidly to become one of Canada's fastest-growing technology companies and the country's largest information technology security provider, reaching $200 million in annual revenue. The company's trajectory took a significant turn in February 2021 when private equity firm Apax Partners acquired a majority stake, though Herjavec retained a significant share and remained as CEO. This acquisition led to the merger of The Herjavec Group with Fishtech Group in June 2022, forming the new cybersecurity entity Cyderes, with the new brand going live on June 13, 2022, and Herjavec as its CEO and board member. On September 24, 2024, Herjavec announced he would be stepping down as CEO of Cyderes, transitioning to a supportive role while stating the company would remain his core business focus and endorsing Chris Schueler as his successor to lead the company's innovation in cybersecurity. His career demonstrates a consistent pattern of identifying opportunities in technology security, scaling businesses, and executing strategic exits or partnerships.

Television and Media Profile

Robert Herjavec's public profile expanded dramatically through his role as an investor on business reality television. He joined the American version, ABC's Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs pitch to potential investors, and his investments there have included a $100,000 deal for a 10% stake in the holiday sweater company Tipsy Elves and a stake in the herbal sparkling water brand Aura Bora. In 2023, he expanded his television portfolio by joining the panel of Network 10's Shark Tank Australia. As part of the Dragons' Den production team, Herjavec won three Gemini Awards for Outstanding Reality Show in Canada, and he has presented awards at the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards and the 2013 Mr. Olympia contest, leveraging his celebrity for various public engagements.

His television appearances extended beyond business programming. In 2015, he competed on season 20 of the American edition of Dancing with the Stars, partnered with professional dancer Kym Johnson. The couple was eliminated in sixth place during a double elimination on May 5, 2015, but began a romantic relationship during the show that led to their marriage. His media presence, combined with his business success, has made him a frequent subject of news coverage, including a notable incident in December 2023 when his private jet was met by media at Toronto Pearson International Airport on false speculation it was transporting baseball star Shohei Ohtani, who was not aboard and later signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Herjavec's blend of business acumen and televised charisma has solidified his status as a cross-border media personality with a loyal audience in multiple countries.

Publications and Public Speaking

Herjavec has authored three books that distill his business philosophy and personal experiences into advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. His first book, Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life, was published in 2010 and is organized around the work and life principles he credits for his own wealth and success. This was followed in 2013 by The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding, which offers life lessons aimed at guiding readers toward greater achievement and happiness. The title also serves as the name for a series of public presentations Herjavec has given, where he shares business advice drawn from his life experiences and his journey from immigrant to business leader. His third book, You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success, was released on March 29, 2016, offering another perspective on entrepreneurship outside the aggressive metaphor of his television role. Through these publications and his speaking engagements, Herjavec has positioned himself as a mentor figure in the entrepreneurial community, translating his tangible successes into a relatable narrative for a wide audience seeking business guidance.

Personal Life and Interests

Herjavec was first married to optometrist Dr. Diane Plese in 1990. They separated in July 2014 and divorced in early 2016, with Herjavec experiencing suicidal ideation after the marriage fell apart. The couple has three children: daughters Caprice and Skye, and a son, Brendan. In June 2019, a court ruling required Herjavec to make additional payments to his ex-wife, bringing her total settlement from the marriage to $25 million. He began a relationship with his Dancing with the Stars partner, Kym Johnson, in September 2015, became engaged in February 2016, and married her in Los Angeles on July 31, 2016. The couple welcomed twins, Hudson Robert and Haven Mae, on April 23, 2018, after announcing the pregnancy in December 2017. Herjavec has been open about experiencing depression following the collapse of his first marriage, and he sought counsel from a pastor who connected him with charitable work at the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Seattle, where he became a major donor.

He is an avid participant in several recreational sports, holding a certification from the Professional Association of Diving Instructors as a scuba diver. Herjavec is a marathon runner having completed the 2010 New York City Marathon and the 2009 Miami Marathon, and an avid golfer who played in the 2010 Royal Bank of Canada Canadian charity open at Royal St George's Golf Club. A passionate car enthusiast and collector, he competes in the Ferrari Challenge racing series, winning the Rookie of the Year title in 2011 after winning both races at the season-opener in St. Petersburg, Florida and following up with wins at Laguna Seca Raceway and Lime Rock, Connecticut, while driving as #007 for The Herjavec Group Racing team. He served as the grand marshal for the 2012 Honda Indy Toronto and owns several Ducati motorcycles and rare cars in a substantial collection. Herjavec's primary residence is a mansion in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood, which he purchased for $7.5 million and which has been featured on MTV Cribs, Joan Rivers's How'd You Get So Rich?, and a Rolling Stones tour video after hosting celebrities like Michael Bublé, John Travolta, Mick Jagger, and Bono. He also maintains several vacation homes, including one in Newport Beach, California, which was the origin of his December 2023 flight that sparked media speculation at the Toronto airport.

Philanthropy, Legal Matters, and Recognition

Herjavec's charitable activities are often connected to personal experiences, such as his major donor support for the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter in Seattle, Washington, which he was introduced to by his pastor while dealing with his post-divorce depression. His business and community contributions have been recognized with several awards, including being named a recipient of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award by Canadian Immigrant magazine in 2011. The following year, he received two significant honours: the Ernst & Young Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, presented by the governor general for outstanding service to Canada. These accolades highlight his status as a prominent figure in Canadian business and his embodiment of the immigrant success narrative, celebrating both his commercial achievements and his contributions to the national community.

Herjavec has also been involved in legal matters that became public. In 2017, an ex-girlfriend from 2013 to 2015, Danielle Vasinova, sued him for rape after he had sued her for attempting to extort him over false claims of sexual assault. Both lawsuits were dismissed in mid-2018, with the allegations against Herjavec withdrawn without a financial settlement and Vasinova issuing an apology to Herjavec and his family. In October 2017, he was also the target of a phishing attempt by email prankster James Linton, who impersonated another company executive to invite Herjavec to a toga party, and the fake account was later copied into official financial projection documents at his company. These incidents, while part of the public record, have been resolved and have not significantly impacted his business or television career, which continues to focus on entrepreneurship and investment.

Notable Television Investments and Appearances

Herjavec's role on business reality shows has involved evaluating hundreds of pitches and making numerous investments. His most successful television investment to date is the $100,000 deal for a 10% stake in Tipsy Elves, a novelty holiday sweater company that has generated substantial returns. He has also invested in companies like Aura Bora, an herbal sparkling water brand. His television work spans multiple countries and formats, making him a transnational business celebrity with a consistent persona as a shrewd but fair investor who values determination and a compelling story from entrepreneurs.

• Dragons' Den (Canada): Original panelist (Seasons 1-6), returned for Seasons 17-18, contributing to the show's three Gemini Awards for Outstanding Reality Show.
• Shark Tank (USA): Investor panelist on the ABC network, where he has been a regular fixture since joining the series.
• Shark Tank Australia: Joined the Network 10 panel in 2023, expanding his international judging role to a third major market.
• Dancing with the Stars (USA): Contestant on Season 20 in 2015, finished in 6th place with partner Kym Johnson, which led to their personal relationship.
• Award Presentations: Presented at the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards and the 2013 Mr. Olympia contest, appearing in diverse entertainment and sports settings.
• Media Features: His Toronto mansion has been featured on MTV Cribs and other television programs, blending his personal and professional brand for audiences.

Robert Herjavec has been a panelist and investor on the Canadian CBC series Dragons' Den and the American ABC series Shark Tank. He also began appearing on the Australian Network 10 version of Shark Tank in 2023. Through these business reality shows, he has invested in companies like Tipsy Elves and Aura Bora. His television appearances have made him a widely recognized figure in business and venture capital. He has also won three Gemini Awards as part of Dragon's Den for Outstanding Reality Show in Canada.

Business Timeline and Key Transactions

The growth and evolution of Herjavec's business ventures demonstrate a pattern of building, selling, and scaling technology companies. His first major success was the sale of his startup, BRAK Systems, which he founded with minimal resources and sold less than a decade later for a substantial sum. This provided the capital and credibility to launch The Herjavec Group, which he grew into a market leader before orchestrating a merger that created a larger, global cybersecurity entity. The following table outlines the major milestones in his business career, from his entry into technology sales to the leadership transition at his largest venture, illustrating the strategic moves behind his wealth creation.

Robert Herjavec founded his first company, BRAK Systems, from his home basement in 1990 and sold it in 2000. He then founded The Herjavec Group in 2003, which grew into one of Canada's largest IT security companies. In 2021, Apax Partners acquired a majority stake in The Herjavec Group. The company later merged with Fishtech Group and rebranded as Cyderes in 2022, with Herjavec serving as CEO. He announced in September 2024 that he would be stepping down as CEO of Cyderes but would remain focused on the business.

Questions about Robert Herjavec

Is Robert Herjavec still on Shark Tank?

Robert Herjavec continues to appear as an investor on the American version of Shark Tank on ABC. He also returned to the Canadian version, Dragons' Den, for seasons 17 and 18 after an absence. He expanded his television commitments by joining the panel of Shark Tank Australia on Network 10 starting in 2023. His role across these international franchises has made him one of the most recognizable investor personalities in the business reality television genre, maintaining a consistent presence that leverages his experience as a founder and chief executive of a major cybersecurity company.

What happened to The Herjavec Group?

The Herjavec Group was merged with another cybersecurity company, Fishtech Group, in June 2022 to form a new entity named Cyderes. This merger was facilitated by private equity firm Apax Partners, which had acquired a majority stake in The Herjavec Group in February 2021. Robert Herjavec became the CEO and a board member of the newly formed Cyderes, which launched on June 13, 2022. He announced on September 24, 2024, that he would be stepping down as CEO but would remain involved with the company, which he described as his core business focus and endorsed Chris Schueler as his successor to lead innovation in the cybersecurity space.

How did Robert Herjavec make his money?

Robert Herjavec built his fortune primarily through entrepreneurship in the technology and cybersecurity sectors. His first major financial success came from founding and selling BRAK Systems, an internet security software integrator, for $30.2 million in 2000. He then founded The Herjavec Group in 2003, growing it into one of Canada's largest IT security providers with over $200 million in annual revenue before its merger into Cyderes. Additional wealth has been generated through his television career on Dragons' Den and Shark Tank, public speaking under 'The Will to Win' banner, book sales, and a diverse portfolio of personal investments and endorsements, alongside earlier roles in tech sales and film production that provided his initial industry experience.

How much is Robert Herjavec worth?

Robert Herjavec's wealth is anchored by several major business successes. His foundational wealth came from selling his first company, BRAK Systems, to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000. He later founded The Herjavec Group, which grew to over $200 million in annual revenue, and he was vice president of sales at Ramp Network before its $225 million sale to Nokia. His assets include a $7.5 million mansion in Toronto's Bridle Path area, multiple vacation homes, a private jet, and a collection of luxury cars and motorcycles. A 2019 court ruling required him to pay his ex wife a total of $25 million from their marriage settlement.

What is Robert Herjavec's most successful investment from Shark Tank?

Robert Herjavec's most successful investment from Shark Tank is his $100,000 deal for a 10% stake in the novelty sweater company Tipsy Elves. This investment is noted as his standout success from the show. He has also made other investments through the program, including in the herbal sparkling water company Aura Bora. Herjavec has been an investor on multiple versions of the business reality series, including the American ABC show Shark Tank, the Canadian CBC series Dragons' Den, and, from 2023, the Australian Network 10 version also titled Shark Tank.

Where did Robert Herjavec go to university?

Robert Herjavec graduated from New College at the University of Toronto in 1984. He earned a degree in English literature and political science from the institution. During his university years and throughout the 1980s, he worked various minimum wage jobs to support himself and his family, including waiting tables, delivering newspapers, and working in debt collection. His education preceded a diverse early career that included work as a third assistant director on film productions and as a field producer for Global TV's coverage of the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo.

Sources and further reading

• Robert Herjavec (Wikipedia)
• Robert Herjavec (cyderes.com)
• Robert Herjavec | Entrepreneur & Shark Tank Investor (speakerscanada.com)
• Robert Herjavec | Entrepreneur, Investor and leading Shark (robertherjavec.com)
• Robert Herjavec (bjtonline.com)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-10-18.