On March 10, 2025, Robert Herjavec, renowned for his role on Shark Tank and as a prominent figure in the cybersecurity sector, officially took on the position of Executive Director of Global Strategy at Melbourne-based Zetaris. This significant move, reported by Business Wire, includes Herjavec’s personal investment in the innovative data management firm, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.
Founded in 2013 by Vinay Samuel and Michael Cimino, Zetaris operates from offices in San Francisco, Sydney, and Melbourne. The company specializes in AI-powered data management solutions, catering to a diverse clientele in healthcare, financial services, retail, telecommunications, and government sectors.
Zetaris Announces Herjavec’s Appointment Amidst Promising Growth
This announcement is timely, coinciding with Zetaris’s advancements in creating sophisticated data management systems that facilitate simultaneous analysis from multiple information sources. According to Zetaris Chairman Robert McLean, their innovative data management solutions played a crucial role in attracting Herjavec’s interest in the company.
“Robert had been investigating new and better ways to gain accurate, real-time data insights to power AI projects and he has found, invested, and joined Zetaris in recognition that we are the new solution the industry needs,” he shared.
The partnership arose after months of Herjavec evaluating emerging solutions in data management, particularly for AI initiatives. Zetaris’s platform distinguished itself with its ability to deliver real-time analytics from diverse data points, solidifying Herjavec’s decision to invest and engage in a leadership role.
CEO Vinay Samuel emphasized the thorough search for a fitting candidate for the global strategy role, stating:
“I’ve spent years looking for the perfect executive director global strategy and I’ve found him. I am excited to work closely with Mr. Herjavec on the next phase of our incredible journey,”
Herjavec spoke highly of Zetaris, expressing his belief in its potential to become a major player in the industry. He remarked:
“I see a lot of companies with great ideas, but Zetaris is set to become a household name and challenge billion-dollar companies. I’ve personally invested in Zetaris because it represents one of the world’s leading technologies for rapidly advancing AI projects. This incredible company originated in Australia and has been scaling both globally and within the US.”
Furthermore, he stated:
“I am delighted to join this innovative team and dramatically accelerate the next phase of growth. Zetaris has revolutionized the old ways of preparing data, enabling real-time analytics on disparate data at source, wherever it’s located.”
The founders of Zetaris have successfully created a platform that redefines how businesses manage information for AI applications. Over the years, Zetaris has formed strategic alliances with major tech companies, including NVIDIA, Cisco, Hitachi, Equinix, and IBM Cloud, broadening its data processing capabilities and market reach. Additionally, the company has received notable investments from Exto Partners.
A significant highlight came when Zetaris secured funding from In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture capital branch, further validating the robust security features of their platform. William Deane, Managing Director at Exto Partners, plays a pivotal role in guiding the company’s strategic decisions and oversees its largest investment stake.
Herjavec’s Notable Background and Achievements
Robert Herjavec brings a wealth of expertise in cybersecurity and business growth to his new role at Zetaris. Recently, he was honored with an Emmy Award in 2024 as an executive producer for Shark Tank. His notable business success includes founding the Herjavec Group, a cybersecurity firm later acquired by private equity firm Apax Partners in 2021.
Today, that company continues to function under the name Cyderes, maintaining its reputation as a leading global cybersecurity provider. Herjavec remains closely connected to Cyderes as an investor, board member, and advisor, while also sharing his business acumen through bestselling books that reach a wide audience.
Fans of the entrepreneurial show will be pleased to know that Shark Tank’s sixteenth season is currently airing on the ABC network.