Harley Finkelstein

Harley Finkelstein is a prominent Canadian entrepreneur and business leader, best known for his role as the President of Shopify, a leading e-commerce platform. He was born in Montreal, Quebec, and began his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 17 by founding a T-shirt company while studying at McGill University. He later transferred to Concordia University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics, and subsequently attended the University of Ottawa, where he obtained both a Juris Doctor and an MBA.1

Finkelstein joined Shopify in 2010 as Chief Platform Officer, shortly after meeting co-founder Tobias Lütke. His early involvement included various roles across business development, law, and finance. He was promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) in 2016 and became President in September 2020.12 Under his leadership, Shopify has significantly expanded its influence in the e-commerce sector, powering a substantial portion of online retail in North America.

In addition to his work at Shopify, Finkelstein serves on the board of directors for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and is an advisor for several venture capital firms. He is also a well-known public speaker and has appeared as a "Dragon" on the Canadian version of Dragons' Den, where he invests in startups.13

Finkelstein has received numerous accolades, including being named Angel Investor of the Year at the Canadian Startup Awards and being recognized in Canada's Top 40 Under 40. He is actively involved in philanthropy, including a notable donation to establish a Jewish community center in Ottawa.12