Billionaire Profile
Catherine Phillips
Global Rank
#2096

Image: Unknown authorUnknown author | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Catherine Phillips

CEO, Investments
CANADA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.007B
Estimated based on Investments stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
74
Source
investments
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
CANADA

Biography

Catherine Phillips is a Canadian investor and philanthropist, best known for her early investment in the e-commerce firm Shopify. Born in 1952, she has dedicated her career to investments and financial management. With a strong background in investments, she and her husband, John Phillips, have accumulated significant wealth, positioning them as one of Canada's wealthiest couples. Beyond her financial success, Catherine is also a retired psychologist who specialized in helping cancer patients manage stress. Together, they have established the Northpine Foundation, donating hundreds of millions to organizations focused on climate, refugees, and formerly incarcerated individuals. Her career exemplifies her commitment to financial success and philanthropic endeavors.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

While specific details of Catherine Phillips' early life are limited, she was born in 1952 in Canada. Her background reflects a commitment to investments and a passion for helping others.

Rise to Success

Catherine Phillips, along with her husband, John Phillips, gained significant recognition for their early investment in Shopify. Their investment, made 13 years before February 2020, of $750,000, turned into a substantial fortune due to the company's rapid growth. This investment has solidified their position as successful angel investors.

Key Business Strategies

The Phillips' strategy primarily involves early-stage investments. This approach has been instrumental in their financial success, most notably with Shopify. Catherine and John also demonstrated a long-term investment strategy by holding onto their Shopify shares, allowing their investment to appreciate significantly over time.

Philanthropy

Beyond their investment success, the Phillips are known for their philanthropic activities through the Northpine Foundation. The Northpine Foundation focuses its investments on areas such as climate change, supporting refugees, and aiding formerly incarcerated individuals. The Phillips' approach to philanthropy involves investing in organizations to help them create positive outcomes.

Career Milestones

2007

Shopify Investment

Made an early investment in Shopify, a Canadian e-commerce software company.

2013

Published Book

Published a book titled, 'Calm Your Mind, Warm Your Heart'.

2010-2023

Shopify Board of Directors

Husband John Phillips served on Shopify's board of directors.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Philanthropy

Northpine Foundation

$100M+

Donations to organizations focused on climate, refugees, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Philanthropy

The Gathering Place

$2M

Investing in a shelter for vulnerable people in St. John's

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"The philanthropist couple does not see the funding as “donations” but as investments and opportunities to give people “a chance to improve their lot.”"