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Robert Herjavec
Canada
Net Worth
$200M
Source of Wealth
Cybersecurity, Television
Global Rank
#163 of 157
About Robert Herjavec
Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-born Canadian entrepreneur, cybersecurity mogul, and television personality best known as one of the investors on ABC's Shark Tank and its predecessor, CBC's Dragon's Den Canada. His story is the quintessential immigrant narrative — arriving in Canada at age eight with his family after fleeing communist Yugoslavia, his father working in a factory for 22 years, Robert waiting tables and delivering newspapers to get by.
Herjavec built his first technology company, BRAK Systems, an internet security integrator, and sold it to AT&T Canada in 2000 for approximately $30 million. Rather than retiring, he immediately founded The Herjavec Group, which he grew into one of North America's largest cybersecurity firms with over $200 million in annual revenue, serving Fortune 500 companies and protecting critical infrastructure.
On Shark Tank and Dragon's Den, Herjavec became known as the 'nice shark' — the investor most likely to offer encouragement even when passing on a deal, and the one who most deeply connected with immigrant founders who reminded him of his own journey. In 2015, he competed on Dancing with the Stars, where he met his partner Kym Johnson. They married in 2016 and have twins together.
Herjavec is a bestselling author, a competitive Ferrari race car driver, and a passionate advocate for the idea that kindness and business success are not mutually exclusive. He never forgets where he came from — and he wants to make sure nobody else has to.
Key Achievements
Built and Sold BRAK Systems for $30 Million
Founded BRAK Systems, an internet security firm, and sold it to AT&T Canada in 2000 for approximately $30 million — his first major entrepreneurial exit.
Grew The Herjavec Group to $200M+ Revenue
Founded The Herjavec Group in 2003 and built it into one of the largest and most respected cybersecurity firms in North America, protecting Fortune 500 companies with over $200 million in annual revenue.
Shark Tank & Dragon's Den Investor
Became one of the most recognizable business personalities in North America through his roles on CBC's Dragon's Den (2006-2012) and ABC's Shark Tank, investing in dozens of entrepreneurs and earning the title of the 'nice shark.'
Bestselling Author
Authored multiple bestselling books including 'Driven,' 'The Will to Win,' and 'You Don't Have to Be a Shark,' sharing his immigrant success story and business philosophy with millions of readers.
Competitive Ferrari Race Car Driver
Competes in the Ferrari Challenge North America series, racing at tracks like Daytona and Laguna Seca — channeling the same intensity he brings to business into high-performance motorsport.
Notable Quotes
“A goal without a timeline is just a dream.”
— Robert Herjavec
“Do what makes you happy. Life is too short to be miserable.”
— Robert Herjavec
“The thing about being an immigrant is that you have no safety net. There's nothing to fall back on except your will to succeed.”
— Robert Herjavec
“People will do business with people they like. Be likeable.”
— Robert Herjavec
Key Decisions
Family fled communist Yugoslavia when Robert was eight years old, arriving in Canada with almost nothing and speaking no English.
Got his start in technology working for Logiquest, selling IBM mainframe emulation boards — discovering a talent for tech sales.
Founded BRAK Systems, an internet security integrator, recognizing the emerging opportunity in cybersecurity before most people knew what it was.
Sold BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada for approximately $30 million — validation that the immigrant kid who delivered newspapers could build something valuable.
Founded The Herjavec Group, betting his career on cybersecurity becoming the defining business challenge of the 21st century.
Joined CBC's Dragon's Den as one of the original Dragons, bringing his story to Canadian television audiences.
Joined ABC's Shark Tank, becoming the 'nice shark' and one of the most beloved investors on the panel.
Competed on Dancing with the Stars Season 20, where he met his future wife Kym Johnson.
Married Kym Johnson; published 'You Don't Have to Be a Shark,' his manifesto on building business through relationships rather than aggression.
Early Life
Born September 14, 1962, in Varazdin, Croatia (then Yugoslavia), Robert Herjavec fled communist Yugoslavia with his family at age eight. They arrived in Canada with almost nothing, and his father worked in a factory for 22 years to support the family. Young Robert waited tables, delivered newspapers, and worked odd jobs while learning English and adapting to a new country. He attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a degree in English and Political Science, before discovering his talent for technology sales.
Companies & Ventures
The Herjavec Group
$200M+ Annual RevenueFounder & CEO · Est. 2003
One of North America's largest and most respected cybersecurity firms, providing managed security services, consulting, and incident response to Fortune 500 companies and critical infrastructure organizations.
BRAK Systems
$30M (acquisition price)Founder · Est. 1990s
Internet security integrator founded in the 1990s during the early days of commercial internet. Sold to AT&T Canada in 2000 for approximately $30 million.
Investment Principles
Invest in People First
The entrepreneur matters more than the idea. Herjavec looks for founders with grit, authenticity, and the willingness to do whatever it takes — qualities he recognizes from his own immigrant experience.
Cybersecurity Is Non-Negotiable
Every business is a technology business, and every technology business is a cybersecurity business. The companies that survive will be the ones that take security seriously from day one.
Kindness Is a Competitive Advantage
People do business with people they like. Being the 'nice shark' isn't weakness — it's a strategy that builds deeper relationships and more loyal partnerships.
The Immigrant Hustle
Having no safety net is the ultimate motivator. Immigrants who build businesses bring a desperation and work ethic that is nearly impossible to replicate.
Life Lessons & Insights
Never Forget Where You Came From
Herjavec's father worked in a factory for 22 years after fleeing Yugoslavia. That memory — of a proud man doing whatever it took for his family — drives Robert's work ethic and humility to this day.
Kindness and Success Coexist
You don't have to be ruthless to win. Herjavec built a cybersecurity empire and became one of the most successful Shark Tank investors while being known as the nicest person on the panel.
Reinvention Is Always Possible
From refugee to newspaper delivery boy to tech salesman to $30M exit to $200M cybersecurity empire to television star to race car driver — Herjavec has reinvented himself more times than most people attempt.
A Goal Without a Timeline Is Just a Dream
Herjavec is relentless about setting deadlines. Dreams become goals when you attach a date, and goals become reality when you attach daily action.
Philanthropy
Herjavec is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity education and immigrant entrepreneurship. He has supported numerous charitable organizations focused on helping newcomers to North America build successful lives, and he uses his television platform to amplify the stories of immigrant founders.
Deep Dives
Go deeper into what makes Robert Herjavec exceptional.
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