Robert Herjavec

Robert Herjavec
Born	(1962-09-14) September 14, 1962 Varaždin, SFR Yugoslavia (now Croatia)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, investor, television personality
Known for	Founder of The Herjavec Group; investor on Dragons' Den, Shark Tank (US and Australia)

Robert Herjavec (born September 14, 1962) is a Croatian-Canadian entrepreneur, investor, and television figure.

Herjavec established BRAK Systems, a Canadian firm specializing in Internet security software integration, which he sold to AT&T Canada (currently Allstream Inc.) in 2000 for $30.2 million. In 2003, he founded The Herjavec Group, which has developed into one of the largest IT and cybersecurity companies in Canada, generating revenues exceeding $200 million annually. He has appeared as an investor on several business reality programs such as the Canadian Dragons' Den, the American Shark Tank, and starting in 2023, the Australian version of Shark Tank. Additionally, Herjavec has written books focused on business growth and development.

Among his accolades are the 2012 Ernst & Young Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology and the 2012 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recognizing outstanding contributions to Canada.

Early life

Herjavec was born in 1962 in Varaždin, then part of SFR Yugoslavia (now Croatia), and spent his childhood in Zbjeg. His family moved to Canada in 1970 after his father faced multiple imprisonments due to anti-Communist beliefs. Arriving in Halifax with only one suitcase and $20, they eventually settled in Toronto, residing in a family friend's basement for a year and a half. At that time, Herjavec did not speak English and encountered significant economic challenges along with cultural adaptation.

His father worked in a factory in Mississauga earning $76 per week and played a crucial role in shaping Herjavec’s determination and work ethic. A key lesson from his father was to never complain regardless of difficulties, fostering enduring courage. Another defining event was when Herjavec witnessed his mother being overcharged by a salesman, inspiring him to ensure his family would not be taken advantage of again.

He earned degrees in English literature and political science from New College at the University of Toronto in 1984. Throughout the 1980s, he supported his family by holding various minimum-wage jobs such as waiting tables, delivering newspapers, retail sales, and debt collection.

Early film work

During the mid-1980s, Herjavec worked as a third assistant director on projects including Cain and Abel and The Return of Billy Jack. He also served as a field producer for Global TV covering the 1984 Winter Olympics held in Sarajevo.

Business ventures

Between film assignments, Herjavec applied for a sales role at Logiquest selling IBM mainframe emulation boards. Although lacking formal qualifications, he secured the position by agreeing to work without pay for six months while supporting himself through waiting tables. He later advanced to become General Manager at Logiquest. After his dismissal in 1990, he launched BRAK Systems from his basement, focusing on integrating Internet security software solutions within Canada. BRAK Systems was acquired by AT&T Canada (now Allstream Inc.) for $30.2 million in 2000. Subsequently, he took on the role of Vice President of Sales at Ramp Network, which was eventually purchased by Nokia for $225 million.

The Herjavec Group

In 2003, Herjavec founded The Herjavec Group—a provider of security integration services, reselling solutions, and managed services. Starting with just three employees and $400,000 in revenue, it has expanded into one of Canada's premier IT security companies with annual sales surpassing $200 million.

In October 2017, while serving as CEO, Herjavec was the target of a phishing hoax involving fraudulent invitations and financial documents.

In February 2021, Apax Partners acquired a controlling interest in The Herjavec Group; however, Herjavec retained a substantial ownership stake and continued as CEO.

Following Apax’s acquisition of Fishtech Group, The Herjavec Group merged with Fishtech and rebranded as Cyderes in June 2022. Herjavec assumed the roles of CEO and board member within the new organization.

He announced plans to resign as CEO of Cyderes effective September 24, 2024, citing family priorities and investment interests but confirmed ongoing support for the company’s expansion under incoming CEO Chris Schueler.

Television

Robert Herjavec has been a prominent figure on the Canadian series Dragons' Den aired by CBC Television, appearing in seasons 1 through 6 and again in seasons 17 and 18. He also features on the American adaptation, ABC's Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs present their business ideas to potential backers. Among his most significant investments on these programs is a $100,000 contribution for a 10% ownership in the sweater company Tipsy Elves. Additionally, he invested in the herbal sparkling water brand Aura Bora. Since 2023, Herjavec has expanded his television presence by joining Network 10's Shark Tank Australia.

As part of the Dragon’s Den team, Herjavec earned three Gemini Awards recognizing Outstanding Reality Show. He also served as a presenter at both the 2013 Creative Arts Emmy Awards and the 2013 Mr. Olympia competition.

On February 24, 2015, Herjavec participated in season 20 of the American Dancing with the Stars, partnered with Australian professional dancer Kym Johnson, whom he eventually wed. Their journey concluded on May 5, finishing in sixth place after elimination.

Publications

Herjavec is the author of three books: Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life (2010), The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding (2013), and You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success (2016). In Driven, he shares the core principles that guided his business achievements, while The Will to Win provides strategies aimed at improving both personal fulfillment and success. He also conducts public speaking engagements under this title, imparting business knowledge drawn from his professional journey.

Relationships

In 1990, Herjavec married Dr. Diane Plese, an optometrist; they separated in 2014 and finalized their divorce in 2016. The couple has three children together. After their separation, Herjavec encountered personal difficulties and was subsequently ordered to pay $25 million to his former spouse.

Herjavec began dating Kym Johnson, his former partner from Dancing with the Stars, in 2015. They became engaged early in 2016 and married later that year. The couple announced they were expecting twins in 2017, who were born in April 2018.

In 2017, Herjavec and ex-girlfriend Danielle Vasinova filed reciprocal lawsuits involving accusations of extortion and sexual assault; both cases were dismissed by 2018 without any financial settlement, and Vasinova issued a formal apology.

Charitable support

Herjavec is a significant benefactor of the Union Gospel Mission homeless shelter located in Seattle, Washington—a connection introduced by his pastor during a challenging personal phase.

Home

He owns a $7.5 million residence situated in Toronto's Bridle Path neighborhood, known for hosting celebrities such as Michael Bublé and Mick Jagger. This property has been featured on MTV Cribs as well as other media outlets. In addition to this home, Herjavec possesses several vacation properties. In December 2023, his private jet drew media attention at Toronto Pearson International Airport amid rumors it was transporting baseball star Shohei Ohtani for meetings with the Toronto Blue Jays; however, Ohtani was not on board and later signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Recreational activities

Herjavec enjoys golfing and running, having taken part in the 2010 Canadian Charity Open as well as marathons held in Miami and New York. He is also a licensed scuba diver and possesses a collection of Ducati motorcycles.

An enthusiastic car racing competitor, Herjavec races under the number 007 in the Ferrari Challenge series representing The Herjavec Group Racing team. Following several race wins, he earned the title of Rookie of the Year in 2011. In 2012, he was honored as Grand Marshal for the Honda Indy Toronto event and is known for his collection of rare automobiles.

Awards

In 2011, Canadian Immigrant magazine included Herjavec among its Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award honorees.

External links

• Robert Herjavec