J ohn Phillips is a Canadian lawyer turned investor who achieved billionaire status through a spectacularly successful early bet on Shopify. He is the founder of Klondike, a private investment company based in Toronto. Phillips spent over two decades as a corporate lawyer and general counsel before shifting his focus to investing in early-stage technology companies. His defining moment came in 2010 when he met Tobi Lütke, the founder of Shopify, and recognized the potential of the e-commerce platform.

Phillips wrote a check for $250,000 at a valuation that seems miniscule today, becoming one of Shopify's first angel investors. He subsequently joined the company's board of directors and held onto his stake as the company went public and grew into a tech titan. This single investment generated returns of thousands of percent, anchoring his fortune. He continues to invest in Canadian startups through Klondike and is active in philanthropy through his foundation.

Quick Reads:

• Founder of the Toronto-based investment firm Klondike.
• Made a legendary early angel investment in Shopify in 2010.
• Served on the board of Shopify during its critical growth years.
• Formerly worked as a corporate lawyer and general counsel.
• Holds a law degree from the University of Toronto.