Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian entrepreneur, cybersecurity executive, investor and television personality best known for his appearances on Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den. After immigrating to Canada as a child, he built a career in technology, founded successful cybersecurity businesses and became a familiar face to audiences interested in entrepreneurship and investment.
His first major business success came through BRAK Systems, an internet security company he sold to AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million. He later founded the Herjavec Group, which grew into a significant cybersecurity business before becoming part of Cyderes. His career has since expanded to include television investing, writing and public speaking.
Herjavec is also known for his marriage to Australian professional dancer Kym Johnson-Herjavec and his family life. His financial success is frequently discussed in media profiles, although his exact net worth has not been publicly verified.
Robert Herjavec Biography Highlights
- Full Name: Robert Herjavec
- Date of Birth: September 14, 1962
- Age: 64 years old in 2026
- Place of Birth: Varaždin, then Yugoslavia, now Croatia
- Nationality: Canadian
- Heritage: Croatian
- Profession: Entrepreneur, investor, cybersecurity executive and television personality
- Education: University of Toronto
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, 1984
- Wife: Kym Johnson-Herjavec
- Children: Five
- Known For: Shark Tank, Dragon’s Den, BRAK Systems and the Herjavec Group
- Estimated Net Worth: $300 – $600 million
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, in Varaždin, a city that was part of Yugoslavia at the time and is now in Croatia. His family left the country in the early 1970s amid political difficulties involving his father, who opposed the Yugoslav government.
In 1971, when Herjavec was eight years old, his family immigrated to Canada. They arrived in Halifax before eventually settling in Toronto. According to the University of Toronto’s alumni profile, he arrived with little money and limited knowledge of English.
His family initially faced financial hardship while adjusting to life in Canada. Herjavec has described living in a basement with his family and witnessing his parents work to establish a new life. These experiences later became a recurring part of his public story about immigration, perseverance and business success.
A more recent account of his childhood and his family’s move to Canada appeared in People’s report on his recollections of arriving in Canada.
Robert Herjavec Age and Nationality
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962, making him 64 years old in 2026. His birthplace, Varaždin, is now part of Croatia, but it was within Yugoslavia when he was born.
He is Canadian by nationality and Croatian by heritage. His journey from the former Yugoslavia to Canada is an important part of his biography and has often been discussed in interviews about his background and entrepreneurial career.
Robert Herjavec Education
Herjavec attended the University of Toronto, graduating in 1984 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from New College.
His academic background differed from the technology and cybersecurity industries in which he eventually built his career. After university, he pursued work in film and television before moving into technology sales, where he gained the experience that helped him establish his own business.
The University of Toronto’s account of Herjavec’s career documents his education and the transition from university graduate to technology entrepreneur.
Robert Herjavec’s Early Career
Before becoming a technology entrepreneur, Herjavec worked in film and television production. He subsequently moved into technology sales, taking a job at LogiQuest, a company involved in selling IBM mainframe emulation products.
According to TheStreet’s 2025 profile of Herjavec’s net worth and business career, he persuaded the company to give him an opportunity by offering to work without pay for six months to demonstrate his abilities. He also waited tables to support himself during this period.
Herjavec progressed into management at LogiQuest, gaining practical knowledge of the technology business. He eventually left the company in 1990 to pursue entrepreneurship.
Founding BRAK Systems and Selling It to AT&T Canada
In 1990, Herjavec founded BRAK Systems, a company specialising in internet security software and related services. He developed the business at a time when commercial internet use was expanding and organisations were increasingly concerned about protecting their computer systems.
The company grew into a successful Canadian technology business. In 2000, AT&T Canada acquired BRAK Systems for $30.2 million, marking Herjavec’s first major entrepreneurial exit.
The sale was a turning point in his career, giving him substantial business experience and the financial foundation to pursue further opportunities in technology.
Herjavec subsequently joined Ramp Network in an executive sales role. He also helped negotiate its sale to Nokia in a transaction reported at approximately $225 million. This deal further strengthened his record as an entrepreneur involved in building and selling technology companies.
These business milestones are discussed in TheStreet’s report on his wealth and biggest Shark Tank deals.
Founding the Herjavec Group
In 2003, Herjavec founded the Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity company that provided services to organisations seeking to protect their networks, systems and digital infrastructure.
The company expanded its operations and became known for managed security services, cybersecurity consulting, identity management and threat response. It grew from a small operation into an international business serving major organisations.
In February 2021, investment funds advised by Apax Partners agreed to acquire a majority stake in the company. Herjavec remained a significant stakeholder and continued as chief executive at that time. The financial terms of the transaction were not publicly disclosed in the announcement.
The acquisition is documented in Apax Partners’ announcement about the Herjavec Group transaction.
In 2022, the Herjavec Group and Fishtech Group came together under the Cyderes name. Herjavec remained involved as a significant investor and board member after stepping down as CEO in 2024. Cyderes announced the leadership transition in its official September 2024 update.
The development of the Herjavec Group into a larger cybersecurity business represents one of the most significant parts of his career beyond television.
Robert Herjavec on Dragon’s Den
Herjavec became widely known in Canada through Dragon’s Den, a television programme in which entrepreneurs pitch business ideas to a panel of investors.
The investors evaluate each proposal and may offer their own money in exchange for an ownership stake. Herjavec brought his experience in technology sales, business development and company ownership to the programme.
His participation helped introduce him to a wider audience and established him as a recognisable television investor. He appeared on the Canadian programme before expanding his television career in the United States.
Robert Herjavec on Shark Tank
Herjavec is best known internationally for his role on the American business reality show Shark Tank. On the programme, entrepreneurs pitch products and companies to investors, hoping to secure funding and business expertise.
As one of the Sharks, Herjavec evaluates companies across a range of industries, including technology, consumer products, food and lifestyle businesses. He considers factors such as market demand, management, profitability and opportunities for expansion when deciding whether to invest.
His official biography on ABC Press describes his role on Shark Tank and his broader career as a cybersecurity entrepreneur, investor and speaker.
Television deals are not always finalised after filming, so the value of deals shown on screen should not automatically be treated as the amount ultimately invested. Herjavec’s wider investment activities also extend beyond the companies featured on the programme.
Robert Herjavec’s Business Investments and Entrepreneurship
In addition to building his own businesses, Herjavec has invested in other companies through his television work and private business activities.
His experience selling BRAK Systems and developing the Herjavec Group has given him first-hand experience of the challenges involved in growing a company. On Shark Tank, he uses that background to assess business opportunities and negotiate investments with entrepreneurs.
Herjavec’s public business profile also includes speaking engagements and advice on leadership, sales and business development. His career has therefore developed across company ownership, cybersecurity, investment and media rather than relying on a single source of income.
Robert Herjavec’s Wife: Kym Johnson-Herjavec
Robert Herjavec is married to Kym Johnson-Herjavec, an Australian professional dancer and television personality known for competing on Dancing with the Stars.
The couple met when they were partnered together on the American version of the programme in 2015. Their relationship developed during the show, and they became engaged in 2016. They married in Los Angeles on July 31, 2016.
In April 2018, they welcomed twins, Hudson and Haven. Johnson has continued her work in dance and television, while the couple have shared occasional updates about their family life.
Robert Herjavec’s Previous Marriage and Children
Before marrying Kym Johnson, Herjavec was married to Diane Plese. They had three children together: Brendan, Skye and Caprice. Their marriage ended in divorce.
Herjavec has five children in total, including his three older children and twins Hudson and Haven with Johnson.
According to People’s profile of Herjavec’s five children, his older children are from his previous marriage, while the twins were born in 2018. Herjavec generally keeps much of his family’s private life separate from his public business career.
Robert Herjavec Net Worth in 2026
Robert Herjavec’s net worth is estimated at $300 million to $600 million, according to a report by TheStreet.
His wealth is attributed to the sale of BRAK Systems, his cybersecurity businesses, investments and television career.
Robert Herjavec’s Books and Media Career
Herjavec is also an author and motivational speaker. His books include Driven: How to Succeed in Business and in Life, The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding and You Don’t Have to Be a Shark.
His writing explores entrepreneurship, leadership, competition and personal development, drawing on his experiences in business and television. His official website provides information about his books, speaking engagements and professional career.
Through these activities, Herjavec has developed a public profile that extends beyond cybersecurity and investment. His television appearances have helped him reach aspiring entrepreneurs and viewers interested in how businesses grow.
Robert Herjavec Awards and Achievements
Herjavec’s notable professional achievements include:
- Founding BRAK Systems and selling it to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million in 2000.
- Helping negotiate the sale of Ramp Network to Nokia.
- Founding the Herjavec Group in 2003 and expanding it into an international cybersecurity business.
- Becoming an investor on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank.
- Continuing his involvement in cybersecurity through his role as an investor and board member at Cyderes.
- Publishing books about business, leadership and personal achievement.
These milestones reflect a career built through technology entrepreneurship, company sales, investment and television.
Robert Herjavec’s Legacy and Influence
Robert Herjavec’s career combines immigration, technology entrepreneurship, investment and television. His early experience at LogiQuest helped him enter the technology industry, while BRAK Systems gave him his first major business exit.
His subsequent work with the Herjavec Group and Cyderes expanded his involvement in cybersecurity. Meanwhile, his appearances on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank introduced his business experience to a broad television audience.
His story is often presented as an example of how professional experience, business development and persistence can create opportunities. However, his achievements also reflect specific market conditions, company transactions and investment opportunities that formed part of his career.
Conclusion
Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian entrepreneur, cybersecurity executive, investor and television personality. After moving to Canada as a child, he entered the technology industry and founded BRAK Systems, which AT&T Canada acquired for $30.2 million in 2000.
He later established the Herjavec Group, which became part of the larger cybersecurity business known as Cyderes. His roles on Dragon’s Den and Shark Tank expanded his public profile, while his books and speaking engagements have added to his work in business media.
His net worth is estimated at at least $300 million by TheStreet, although his exact personal wealth remains unverified. His career spans technology, investment and television, making him one of the more recognisable Canadian entrepreneurs in the international business entertainment industry.
FAQs About Robert Herjavec
How old is Robert Herjavec?
Robert Herjavec was born on September 14, 1962. He is 64 years old in 2026.
Who is Robert Herjavec’s wife?
He is married to Kym Johnson-Herjavec, an Australian professional dancer and television personality. They met on Dancing with the Stars and married in 2016.
How many children does Robert Herjavec have?
He has five children: Brendan, Skye and Caprice from his previous marriage to Diane Plese, and twins Hudson and Haven with Kym Johnson.
How did Robert Herjavec make his money?
He built his wealth through technology entrepreneurship, the sale of BRAK Systems, subsequent business ventures, investments and television work.
What company did Robert Herjavec sell for $30.2 million?
He founded BRAK Systems, an internet security company acquired by AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million.
Is Robert Herjavec still involved in cybersecurity?
Yes. He remains involved with Cyderes as an investor and board member, following his departure from the CEO role in 2024.
Where was Robert Herjavec born?
He was born in Varaždin, which was part of Yugoslavia at the time and is now in Croatia.
What is Robert Herjavec famous for?
He is known for founding technology businesses, investing in entrepreneurs on Shark Tank and Dragon’s Den, and writing about entrepreneurship and leadership.
Sources
- University of Toronto — Robert Herjavec
- People — Robert Herjavec Recalls Arriving in Canada
- TheStreet — Robert Herjavec’s Net Worth and Biggest Shark Tank Deals (2025)
- Apax Partners — Acquisition of Herjavec Group
- Cyderes — New CEO Announcement (2024)
- ABC Press — Robert Herjavec Biography
- People — Robert Herjavec’s Five Children
- Robert Herjavec — Official Website and Biography
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