Early Life and Education
John Phillips received a Bachelor of Arts and Science from Trinity College at the University of Toronto and later pursued an L.L.B./J.D. from the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto. He began his career in law, spending 20 years in private practice at Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP.
Career Highlights
Phillips' career includes serving as general counsel at Clearnet Communications for nearly six years. His transition from law to investment marked a significant shift, especially with his early investment in Shopify. He served on Shopify's board of directors from 2010 to 2023.
Investment in Shopify
In 2007, Phillips invested $250,000 in Shopify at a $3 million valuation. He subsequently increased his holdings, building a position of about 5 million shares. His early investment in Shopify has been the cornerstone of his wealth. Remarkably, he has kept the bulk of his position, still holding 4 million shares as of 2019. The company's success significantly increased his net worth.
Other Investments
Beyond Shopify, Phillips has invested in other early-stage companies. He is also the CEO of Klister Credit Corp., an investment and consulting company.