Harley Finkelstein, born on November 8, 1983, in Québec, Canada, is the founder of Shopify, a Canadian e-commerce platform that enables users to sell online through custom-built stores. The platform offers customizable templates that allow users to design and manage their businesses according to their preferences.
Finkelstein identified a gap in the market and launched Shopify, which today serves over five million clients. Companies such as PepsiCo, Nestlé, Red Bull, and Tesla are among its key partners. The Canadian entrepreneur is also a member of several boards, including the CBC, and participates in programs that emphasize the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Since childhood, Finkelstein displayed a strong entrepreneurial spirit. During his studies, he launched several ventures that paved the way for his later success. Shopify became the decisive turning point in his career—an idea sparked by another entrepreneur. True to his nature, the Canadian was among the platform’s very first merchants.
An Entrepreneur by Nature
What does it mean to be an entrepreneur? It is when someone initiates a project or idea through innovation—the key element for standing out and differentiating oneself in the marketplace. At 13, Harley aspired to be a DJ, and his father helped him by writing introduction letters to promote his work.
He first enrolled at McGill University, later transferring to Concordia University to study Economics. The move was motivated by his parents’ financial struggles to support his studies. Not one to remain idle, the young Canadian launched a business selling McGill University t-shirts.
Following this experience, he was encouraged to study Law to further his interests and learn to manage his ventures effectively. The success of his t-shirt business led him to the University of Ottawa, where he earned both a Juris Doctor and an MBA. There, he also founded a Student Society and initiated a Canadian Oath program.
From Merchant to President of Shopify
Driven by his constant search for innovative ideas, Finkelstein surrounded himself with people who shared his entrepreneurial mindset. It was during this time that he met Tobias Lütke, the co-founder of Shopify, who introduced him to the concept. Their first encounter took place in a young entrepreneurs’ club.
In 2010, after a brief experience at a law firm, Finkelstein joined Shopify as Platform Director. Over the following years, he demonstrated versatility across multiple areas and became involved in several Canadian tech organizations. In 2016, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the e-commerce company.
What is Shopify’s key strength? According to Finkelstein, “Shopify’s culture is not the result of leadership input but a reflection of everyone who works here. Our culture has only improved because we don’t cling to the status quo—we let it evolve.”
He also spoke about the importance of “discomfort,” stating that “magic happens when you put yourself in situations where you don’t feel comfortable or safe all the time.” He referred to the value of challenge and stepping outside the comfort zone—an idea he instills in his employees. In 2020, Finkelstein took another leap forward and became President of Shopify.
The entrepreneur also emphasizes ambition as a long-term driver of innovation, asserting that “if you maintain it over time, your likelihood of success will be much higher.” From 2010 onward, Finkelstein’s rise within the company reflects a clear vision and the determination to expand the brand globally.
Shopify Among the Favorites
Within the retail sector, Shopify represents around 10% of e-commerce sales, ranking just behind Amazon in the United States. Of the more than 200,000 transactions processed in 2024, over half occurred in the U.S.
The company’s mission is to simplify the user and customer experience. Its motto—“Make the important things really easy”—captures this philosophy, achieved through digital marketing strategies and partnerships that strengthen its internal structure.
Harley Finkelstein has proven instrumental in shaping Shopify. As one of its earliest merchants and now its president, he continues to champion a culture that values employees and drives the company’s leadership in global retail innovation.