Success Stories: Robert Herjavec
A Top Shark Riding Waves of Success
Best known as one of the charismatic investors on TV's Shark Tank, Robert Herjavec’s journey from humble beginnings to building multimillion-dollar companies is a story of grit and tenacity. Beyond TV, his track record as a tech entrepreneur and savvy investor has cemented his status as a respected figure in the business world.
Get to know his inspiring story below, from immigrant beginnings to becoming a Top Shark.
Best known as one of the charismatic investors on TV's Shark Tank, Robert Herjavec’s journey from humble beginnings to building multimillion-dollar companies is a story of grit and tenacity. Beyond TV, his track record as a tech entrepreneur and savvy investor has cemented his status as a respected figure in the business world.
Get to know his inspiring story below, from immigrant beginnings to becoming a Top Shark.
From Immigrant to Entrepreneur
Born in Croatia in 1962, Herjavec immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of eight, with just a single suitcase between them. With very little money or English, he quickly learned the value of hard work from his father, and his early life was filled with odd jobs — ranging from waiting tables to delivering newspapers.
Herjavec's professional career began as a director, however his big break came in the 1990s, when he founded BRAK Systems, a Canadian-based internet security software company. With little startup capital but a deep understanding of the growing demand for cybersecurity, Herjavec built the company from the ground up. In 2000, he sold BRAK to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million.
Born in Croatia in 1962, Herjavec immigrated to Canada with his family at the age of eight, with just a single suitcase between them. With very little money or English, he quickly learned the value of hard work from his father, and his early life was filled with odd jobs — ranging from waiting tables to delivering newspapers.
Herjavec's professional career began as a director, however his big break came in the 1990s, when he founded BRAK Systems, a Canadian-based internet security software company. With little startup capital but a deep understanding of the growing demand for cybersecurity, Herjavec built the company from the ground up. In 2000, he sold BRAK to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million.
The Herjavec Group
Not one to rest on a win, Herjavec went on to found The Herjavec Group in 2003, focusing on IT security services and consulting. What started as a small operation has grown into one of North America’s fastest-growing technology companies, with clients across the Fortune 500.
As of today, The Herjavec Group generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue, offering cybersecurity solutions in an age where digital threats are a top concern for every business.
Not one to rest on a win, Herjavec went on to found The Herjavec Group in 2003, focusing on IT security services and consulting. What started as a small operation has grown into one of North America’s fastest-growing technology companies, with clients across the Fortune 500.
As of today, The Herjavec Group generates hundreds of millions in annual revenue, offering cybersecurity solutions in an age where digital threats are a top concern for every business.
Cybersecurity Pioneer & Billion-Dollar Builder
Professionally, Herjavec is one of the top cybersecurity experts in the world. Over a 35-year career, he’s advised governments and Fortune 500 companies, and was once the most Googled person on the internet for cybersecurity.
He founded his most recent company over two decades ago with just two employees. Through vision, leadership, and relentless execution, he built it into one of the largest global cybersecurity firms, employing nearly 1,000 people. The company was later sold to private equity, creating over $1 billion in value.
Herjavec continues to invest in and mentor cybersecurity startups, helping drive innovation and protect the digital world.
Professionally, Herjavec is one of the top cybersecurity experts in the world. Over a 35-year career, he’s advised governments and Fortune 500 companies, and was once the most Googled person on the internet for cybersecurity.
He founded his most recent company over two decades ago with just two employees. Through vision, leadership, and relentless execution, he built it into one of the largest global cybersecurity firms, employing nearly 1,000 people. The company was later sold to private equity, creating over $1 billion in value.
Herjavec continues to invest in and mentor cybersecurity startups, helping drive innovation and protect the digital world.
Shark Tank: Business Meets Entertainment
In 2009, Herjavec became a household name as a lead Shark and Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer on TV's Shark Tank. For over 16 seasons, he’s brought insight, empathy, and serious investing chops to the show. His calm, strategic approach is a fan-favourite, often serving as the voice of reason amid the feeding frenzy.
He’s also appeared on 5 seasons of Dragon’s Den in Canada, and currently serves as a Shark on Shark Tank Australia — truly making waves across continents.
His Shark Tank investments span industries and include:
- Tipsy Elves – A holiday apparel brand that generated over $100 million in sales.
- SynDaver Labs – Makers of synthetic human tissue for medical training.
- Happy Feet Slippers – A comfort-first brand that exploded in popularity post-show.
Each deal reflects his belief in backing passionate founders solving real problems, with long-term vision and integrity.
In 2009, Herjavec became a household name as a lead Shark and Emmy Award-winning Executive Producer on TV's Shark Tank. For over 16 seasons, he’s brought insight, empathy, and serious investing chops to the show. His calm, strategic approach is a fan-favourite, often serving as the voice of reason amid the feeding frenzy.
He’s also appeared on 5 seasons of Dragon’s Den in Canada, and currently serves as a Shark on Shark Tank Australia — truly making waves across continents.
His Shark Tank investments span industries and include:
- Tipsy Elves – A holiday apparel brand that generated over $100 million in sales.
- SynDaver Labs – Makers of synthetic human tissue for medical training.
- Happy Feet Slippers – A comfort-first brand that exploded in popularity post-show.
Each deal reflects his belief in backing passionate founders solving real problems, with long-term vision and integrity.
Bestselling Author & Inspiring Speaker
Robert is also a New York Times bestselling author, with three published books, two of which appeared on the bestseller list at the same time—a rare achievement. His titles focus on sales, performance, and unlocking personal and professional potential.
As a motivational speaker, he shares his story and strategies with audiences around the world, aiming to help others unlock their performance and build winning companies.
Robert is also a New York Times bestselling author, with three published books, two of which appeared on the bestseller list at the same time—a rare achievement. His titles focus on sales, performance, and unlocking personal and professional potential.
As a motivational speaker, he shares his story and strategies with audiences around the world, aiming to help others unlock their performance and build winning companies.
Dancing into Love
In 2015, Robert met Kym Johnson, an Australian ballroom champion, on hit TV show Dancing with the Stars. Their chemistry extended beyond the dance floor, and they went on to marry in 2016 and share a life together in LA. Kym, who has appeared on Broadway and on 17 seasons of the hit show, now lives with Robert back in Australia, where they have chosen to raise their twins.
In 2015, Robert met Kym Johnson, an Australian ballroom champion, on hit TV show Dancing with the Stars. Their chemistry extended beyond the dance floor, and they went on to marry in 2016 and share a life together in LA. Kym, who has appeared on Broadway and on 17 seasons of the hit show, now lives with Robert back in Australia, where they have chosen to raise their twins.
Beyond Business: Racing, Running & Rare Cars
Outside the boardroom, Herjavec is a man of motion. He’s a former high-level race car driver, an avid runner, and a proud owner of a renowned collection of exotic and rare cars. These passions reflect his drive not just for business success, but for high performance in every area of life.
Outside the boardroom, Herjavec is a man of motion. He’s a former high-level race car driver, an avid runner, and a proud owner of a renowned collection of exotic and rare cars. These passions reflect his drive not just for business success, but for high performance in every area of life.
The Future: Constant, Forward, Momentum
From immigrant struggles to billion-dollar success, Robert Herjavec has done more than just build wealth — he's built impact. Whether investing in startups, leading in cybersecurity, inspiring audiences, or mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, his journey is a masterclass in progress and purpose.
His motto for life and business says it all: "Constant, Forward, Momentum."
From immigrant struggles to billion-dollar success, Robert Herjavec has done more than just build wealth — he's built impact. Whether investing in startups, leading in cybersecurity, inspiring audiences, or mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, his journey is a masterclass in progress and purpose.
His motto for life and business says it all: "Constant, Forward, Momentum."
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