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Billionaire Profile
John Phillips
Global Rank
#2096

Image: ABC Television | Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

John Phillips

CEO, Investments
CANADA
Real-Time Net Worth
$2.007B
Estimated based on Investments stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
75
Source
investments
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
CANADA

Biography

John Phillips is a Canadian angel investor, best known for making an early investment in Shopify, which significantly increased his net worth. His source of wealth stems from investments, particularly in early-stage companies. He served on Shopify's board of directors from 2010 to 2023. Phillips, a 75-year-old resident of Toronto, Canada, previously spent 25 years as a corporate lawyer, including time as general counsel at Clearnet Communications. The Northpine Foundation, established by John and his wife Catherine Phillips, has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to organizations focused on climate, refugees, and formerly incarcerated individuals.

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

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Career

John Phillips began his career as a corporate lawyer, spending 25 years in the field. He also served as general counsel at Clearnet Communications.

Rise to Success

Phillips's rise to prominence in the investment world began with his early bet on Shopify, a Canadian e-commerce software company. His foresight and investment in Shopify significantly contributed to his wealth accumulation.

Key Business Strategies

Phillips is known for identifying promising early-stage companies, as demonstrated by his investments in Shopify and other ventures like Virtual Marine Technology and Sequence Bio.

Philanthropy

Phillips and his wife, Catherine Phillips, are involved in philanthropy through the Northpine Foundation. The foundation has donated substantial amounts to causes such as climate initiatives, refugee support, and programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Career Milestones

2010-2023

Board of Director

Served on the board of directors for Shopify

Unknown

General Counsel

Served as the general counsel at Clearnet Communications

1993-Present

CEO

CEO of Klister Credit Corp

1979-2002

Financial Industry Professional

Worked in the financial industry, including time as a corporate lawyer

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Various

Northpine Foundation

Hundreds of Millions

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

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