Robert Herjavec (born September 14, 1962) is a Croatian-Canadian businessman, investor, and TV personality. He founded BRAK Systems, an Internet security company sold to AT&T Canada in 2000 for $30.2 million, and later launched The Herjavec Group in 2003, now one of Canada’s largest IT security firms with over $200 million in revenue.
Herjavec is a panelist on Shark Tank (U.S. and Australia) and Dragons’ Den (Canada) and has authored business books. His awards include Ernst & Young Ontario Entrepreneur of the Year and Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
RELATED: Lionel Messi’s Wife: The Enchanting Antonela Roccuzzo
Table of Contents
Robert Herjavec Net Worth
Robert Herjavec has a net worth of $600 million. In 2000, while still married to Diane Plese, he purchased a mansion on The Bridle Path in Toronto for $7 million and sold it in March 2020 for $17.4 million.
In 2019, he bought a home in Hidden Hills, California for $14.6 million, listing it for $17.25 million in February 2021 and accepting $17 million in May 2021. In July 2021, he acquired a 6,200-square-foot condo in New York City for $34.5 million and plans to sell it for $38.5 million in April 2024.
Early life
Born in 1962 in Varaždin, Yugoslavia (now Croatia), Robert Herjavec and his family fled to Canada in 1970 with only $20 after his father, Vladimir, was repeatedly jailed for anti-Communist remarks. Settling in Toronto, they faced economic hardship, living in a friend’s basement.
Herjavec’s father worked a factory job and instilled resilience in him, famously advising him never to complain. This lesson shaped Herjavec’s determination. He later graduated from the University of Toronto in 1984 and took on various minimum-wage jobs to support his family before building his career.
Career
Robert Herjavec initially worked as a third assistant director in the film industry, but inconsistent schedules led him to seek other jobs. He applied for a position selling computer equipment at Logiquest and convinced management to hire him as an unpaid intern.
He quickly rose to general manager. In 1990, he left Logiquest to start BRAK Systems, focusing on Internet security software, which he built from his basement. Ten years later, AT&T Canada acquired BRAK for over $30 million. After a brief hiatus, he became VP of Sales at Ramp Network before launching another business in 2003.
Personal life
Robert Herjavec married Dr. Diane Plese, an optometrist, in 1990, but they separated in July 2014 and divorced in early 2016. He experienced suicidal thoughts after the marriage ended and has three children: daughters Caprice and Skye, and son Brendan.
In June 2019, a judge ruled he must pay Plese $25 million following their divorce. In September 2015, he began dating his former Dancing with the Stars partner Kym Johnson; they married on July 31, 2016. The couple welcomed twins, Hudson and Haven, on April 23, 2018.
What businesses does Robert Herjavec own?
Robert Herjavec is widely recognized as an investor on ABC’s Emmy-winning Shark Tank, a role he has held since the show’s launch in 2009. In addition to his television career, he is the founder and CEO of Herjavec Group, one of the largest privately held cybersecurity companies in the world.
RELATED: XXXTentacion Death Cause: Unraveling the Tragic Circumstances
Conclusion
Robert Herjavec’s story from an immigrant with $20 to a net worth of $300 million is incredibly inspiring. His dedication, entrepreneurial spirit, and financial acumen have established him as a formidable figure in business and television.
FAQs about Robert Herjavec’s Net Worth
- What is Robert Herjavec’s primary source of wealth?
- His wealth primarily stems from his entrepreneurial ventures in internet security, particularly The Herjavec Group, and his TV appearances.
- How did Robert Herjavec start his career?
- He began with various minimum-wage jobs, eventually founding his own company, BRAK Systems.
- What is one of Robert Herjavec’s most successful investments on Shark Tank?
- His $100,000 investment in Tipsy Elves for a 10% equity share, which has seen substantial returns.
- Has Robert Herjavec written any books?
- Yes, he has published several books on business and success, including “Driven” and “You Don’t Have to be a Shark.”
- What’s notable about Herjavec’s car collection?
- It includes rare and luxury vehicles like the 1958 Porsche 356, 2020 Ford GT, and 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari.
