Robert Herjavec Net Worth

What is Robert Herjavec's net worth?

Robert Herjavec is a Croatian-Canadian businessman, investor, and television personality who has a net worth of $600 million. Robert Herjavec is best known as one of the longtime investors on "Shark Tank." After immigrating to Canada as a child with his family, who fled communist Yugoslavia with little money, Herjavec developed a drive to succeed that would define his career. He worked a series of odd jobs in his youth, including waiting tables and delivering newspapers, before finding his way into the technology industry in the 1980s.

Herjavec began his professional career as a film production assistant before transitioning into tech sales. He joined Logiquest, a company that sold IBM mainframe emulation boards, and quickly rose through the ranks to become general manager. In 1990, he founded his own company, BRAK Systems, from his basement, focusing on internet security software at a time when the industry was just beginning to take shape. The business grew rapidly, and in 2000, Herjavec sold BRAK Systems to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million.

After the sale, he briefly worked as a top executive at AT&T and later launched a new venture, The Herjavec Group, in 2003. The firm became one of Canada's leading cybersecurity companies, providing managed security services and consulting to major corporations around the world. Herjavec's leadership helped the company grow into a multimillion-dollar enterprise, earning him widespread respect as one of North America's foremost cybersecurity experts.

Herjavec gained international fame through his role as a "shark" on the CBC's "Dragons' Den" in Canada and later on ABC's "Shark Tank" in the United States. Known for his calm demeanor and motivational outlook, he has also authored several business books, including "Driven" and "The Will to Win." His story—from immigrant beginnings to self-made multimillionaire—has made him a symbol of entrepreneurial perseverance and success.

Early Life

Robert Herjavec was born in what is now Croatia and immigrated to Canada with his parents when he was eight years old. The family fled the former Yugoslavia after enduring political persecution under the communist regime. Herjavec's father, Vladimir, had been repeatedly jailed for speaking out against the government, and his defiance ultimately motivated the family to seek freedom and stability in North America.

When the Herjavecs arrived in Canada, they had just $20 and a single suitcase. They initially settled in Toronto, where Robert's father worked in a factory and the family lived in a small basement apartment for more than a year. Robert spoke almost no English when he arrived and struggled to adjust to life in a new country. He often recalled feeling out of place and being teased for his accent and hand-me-down clothes. Those early experiences of poverty and alienation would later shape his work ethic and determination to succeed.

Herjavec attended the University of Toronto, where he graduated in 1984 with a dual degree in English literature and political science. Although those fields didn't directly lead to business or technology careers, they gave him a foundation in communication and critical thinking that proved valuable later on. In the years following graduation, Herjavec worked a series of odd jobs to help support his family. He waited tables, delivered newspapers, and took on a variety of low-wage positions while searching for a professional direction.

Early Career and Internet Security

After college, Herjavec found temporary work in the Canadian film industry as a third assistant director on various productions. While he enjoyed the creative environment, film work was sporadic, leaving long gaps between jobs. During one of these breaks, he answered a job posting for a company called Logiquest, which sold IBM mainframe emulation boards. Despite having no technical background, Herjavec persuaded the company to take him on as an unpaid intern for six months.

His natural drive and ability to learn quickly paid off. Within a few years, he rose through the ranks to become the company's general manager. The experience gave him his first exposure to computer networking, cybersecurity, and sales—fields that would define the rest of his career.

In 1990, Herjavec left Logiquest to start his own company, BRAK Systems, which he operated out of his basement. The business specialized in internet security software and quickly grew into a leading Canadian provider in the emerging cybersecurity industry. In 2000, AT&T Canada acquired BRAK Systems for approximately $30.2 million.

Following the sale, Herjavec accepted a senior executive role as Vice President of Sales at Ramp Network, where he helped oversee the company's growth until it was later acquired by Nokia. He then took a brief break from entrepreneurship before returning to launch a new venture that would become his defining business achievement.

(Photo by Chris Weeks/Getty Images)

The Herjavec Group and Entrepreneurial Success

In 2003, Herjavec founded The Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity and managed services firm based in Toronto. Starting with just three employees and $400,000 in sales during its first year, the company quickly expanded into one of the largest IT security firms in Canada. The Herjavec Group provides network protection, incident response, and risk management services to major corporations across North America and beyond.

By the mid-2010s, The Herjavec Group had become a dominant player in the cybersecurity industry, regularly appearing on lists of Canada's fastest-growing technology companies. In 2017, the company was reported to be generating around $200 million in annual revenue, solidifying Herjavec's reputation as one of the foremost cybersecurity entrepreneurs in North America.

Television Career and "Shark Tank"

Herjavec first became a public figure when he joined the Canadian series "Dragon's Den," where he invested in startups and mentored aspiring entrepreneurs. His success and charisma led to an invitation to join the American adaptation, "Shark Tank," which premiered on ABC in 2009. His fellow "Shark Tank" sharks include Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John, Barbara Corcoran, and Lori Greiner.

On "Shark Tank," Herjavec is known for his thoughtful investment style, calm demeanor, and motivational outlook. He has invested in hundreds of companies through the show, ranging from consumer products to tech startups. One of his most notable deals was a $100,000 investment in "Tipsy Elves," a novelty clothing company that went on to generate more than $70 million in sales within a few years.

Through the series, Herjavec has become one of television's most recognizable business figures, using the platform to inspire entrepreneurs and demonstrate the importance of persistence, adaptability, and humility.

Books and Public Speaking

In addition to his television and business career, Robert Herjavec has authored several best-selling books offering guidance on leadership, competition, and personal growth. His first book, "Driven: How to Succeed in Business and Life," was published in 2010 and combined personal anecdotes with business insights. In 2013, he released "The Will to Win: Leading, Competing, Succeeding," followed by "You Don't Have to Be a Shark: Creating Your Own Success" in 2016. Each book expands on his belief that success is available to anyone willing to work hard and embrace opportunity.

Herjavec is also an in-demand motivational speaker, frequently delivering keynote addresses at business conferences and universities. His life story—from a penniless immigrant to a self-made multimillionaire—has become one of the most inspiring examples of perseverance and ambition in the modern business world.

Personal Life

In 1990, Robert Herjavec married optometrist Diane Plese. The couple remained together for 24 years, during which time Herjavec built much of his early business success. They had three children together—two daughters and a son—and lived primarily in Toronto. After more than two decades of marriage, the couple separated in 2014, and their divorce was finalized two years later.

The split proved to be one of the most high-profile divorces in Canada. Diane Plese initially received a sizable settlement, but in 2019, a court ordered Herjavec to pay additional compensation, bringing her total divorce award to roughly $25 million.

The end of his marriage took an emotional toll on Herjavec. He has spoken publicly about struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts during that period of his life. Seeking purpose and connection, he began devoting more of his time and resources to charitable causes. He became actively involved in supporting homeless shelters and outreach programs, including making substantial donations to a shelter in Seattle.

In 2015, Herjavec joined the 20th season of "Dancing with the Stars," where he was partnered with Australian professional dancer Kym Johnson. The pair developed a close friendship that evolved into a romantic relationship. They finished in sixth place that season, and a year later, Herjavec proposed. The couple married in 2016 in Los Angeles. In 2017, they welcomed twins—a son named Hudson and a daughter named Haven. The family divides their time between homes in California, New York, and Toronto.

Car Collection

Robert Herjavec is a passionate car enthusiast with one of the most enviable private collections among Canadian entrepreneurs. His garage includes rare and vintage models from Ferrari, Porsche, Mercedes, and Ford. Some of his standout vehicles include a 1958 Porsche 356, a 2019 Porsche Speedster, and a limited-edition 2020 Ford GT. He also owns an ultra-rare 2021 Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series P One Edition, one of only 275 ever produced.

His Ferrari collection is especially noteworthy, featuring a 1971 Ferrari Daytona and a 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari—one of just 700 made worldwide and valued in the multimillion-dollar range. Herjavec has described driving as his way to unwind and clear his head after long days in business and television.

Awards and Honors

Robert Herjavec has received numerous honors recognizing both his business success and his contributions to Canadian society. In 2011, he was named one of the Top 25 Canadian Immigrants by Canadian Immigrant magazine. The following year, he received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for Technology in Ontario.

That same year, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to Canada—an honor given to citizens who have made significant contributions to their country through leadership, philanthropy, or innovation.

Real Estate

Throughout his career, Herjavec has invested heavily in real estate across North America. In 2000, while married to Diane Plese, he purchased a mansion in Toronto's exclusive Bridle Path neighborhood for $7 million. The estate served as the family's primary residence for many years before Herjavec sold it in 2020 for $17.4 million.

In 2019, Robert paid $14.6 million for a home in Hidden Hills, California. In February 2021, he listed this home for sale for $17.25 million. He accepted $17 million in May 2021.

In July 2021, Robert was revealed as the buyer of a 6,200-square-foot New York City condo in a building known as One57. Robert paid $34.5 million for the condo, which was actually a major discount from the $45 million the unit had been seeking a year earlier. Robert's $34.5 million is around $13 million less than the seller paid in 2015. Perhaps most importantly, the seller was represented by Robert's "Shark Tank" co-star's real estate firm, The Corcoran Group! Robert listed this property for sale in April 2024 for $38.5 million. Here is a video tour:

In January 2023, Herjavec acquired another Hidden Hills property—a 14,700-square-foot mansion situated on 7.4 acres—for $26 million. The estate includes expansive gardens, a guesthouse, and views of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Herjavec and his wife, Kym, also own a vacation home in Newport Beach, California, and maintain a residence in Toronto, allowing them to balance their family life between both countries.

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