Satish Kanwar

Leader in Canadian business and technology ecosystem

Satish Kanwar is a prominent figure in the Canadian technology and business landscape, known for his extensive tenure at Shopify. He served as the Vice President of Product Acceleration, where he was instrumental in leading strategic acquisitions, investments, and partnerships with various companies, including major players like Meta, Google, TikTok, Amazon, and Apple. His role was pivotal in Shopify's transition from a primarily online store platform to a comprehensive multi-channel commerce solution.1 3

Professional Background

Kanwar co-founded Jet Cooper, a design studio that gained recognition for its user experience and design services, which was acquired by Shopify in 2013. This acquisition marked the beginning of his decade-long journey with Shopify, during which he held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Operations and General Manager of Product for Channels. His contributions were crucial in expanding Shopify's operations and product offerings, particularly in the realms of e-commerce and retail technology.2 4

In July 2023, Kanwar announced his departure from Shopify after ten years, expressing gratitude for his experiences and the relationships he built during his time there. He indicated plans to focus on angel investing and spend more time with his family.2 5

Education and Recognition

Kanwar graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Toronto Scarborough, where he was recognized for his academic excellence. His achievements have earned him several accolades, including being named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and Toronto Life's Most Influentials.3 4

Current Endeavors

Following his departure from Shopify, Kanwar has taken on the role of Co-Founder at Good Future, a family office focused on fostering a community of entrepreneurs dedicated to making a positive impact. He continues to be an influential voice in the tech community, serving on various boards and advising startups.3 4

Highlights

Oct 22 · twitter

Here’s what Toronto’s newly published 10-year economic action plan says about tech:

Toronto plans to strengthen its support for the sector through the creation of an “Office for the Tech and Innovation Sector” (OTIS) by 2025. This initiative aims to attract more private investment and launch a major global tech event by 2026.
Toronto will build an AI assessment framework so that city divisions can use AI ethically, securely, and effectively. The city will also review processes for procuring new tech and green technologies.
Toronto will increase support for incubators and accelerators by enhancing the “Business Incubation & Commercialization” (BIC) Grant Program, with a focus on inclusive economic growth.
Toronto will start 10 new partnerships between local industries and academic institutions by 2030. This includes joint research initiatives and internship placements to build a more tailored talent pipeline.
Toronto added ~96,000 jobs from 2018 to 2023, driven by increasing demand for AI talent. The city wants to generally keep capitalizing on this momentum to keep its leadership position in North America.