Shopify Founder, Tobias Lütke, began his career in the tech industry in the early 2000s. Born and raised in Germany, Lütke initially pursued a career in engineering, earning a degree in software engineering from the University of Karlsruhe. His passion for skiing led him to create an online snowboard store, Snowdevil, with his wife in 2004. However, when he couldn’t find a suitable e-commerce platform to manage his store, Lütke decided to build his own shopping cart software, which would eventually become Shopify.

Shopify Founder’s Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Shopify’s founder, Tobias Lütke, has an estimated net worth of $10.6 billion, according to Forbes. This significant increase from his 2021 net worth of $7.9 billion is largely due to Shopify’s stock price surge amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made Lütke one of the world’s wealthiest people.

Career

Tobias Lütke, a German-born Canadian, founded Shopify in 2006 with Daniel Weinand and Daniel Krauss. Initially a snowboard shop, it evolved into a global e-commerce platform, now serving over 1.7 million businesses worldwide. Lütke has served as the company’s CEO until 2020, then transitioned to the role of Executive Chair.

Other Ventures

Lütke’s entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond Shopify. He’s invested in and advised various startups, including Wave, a financial services platform for small businesses. He’s also a co-founder of the environmental organization, Climate Pledge Arena, which aims to accelerate climate action.

Assets

Lütke’s primary assets include his stakes in Shopify and other tech companies, as well as real estate. He owns a $14 million mansion in Canada and has invested in commercial properties, including an office building in Ottawa. His art collection, featuring works by artists like Banksy and Ai Weiwei, is also a notable asset.

Annual Income

As of 2021, Tobias Lütke’s annual income is estimated to be around $10 million. This includes his salary as Executive Chair of Shopify and income from his investments. However, his wealth growth is primarily driven by the increase in Shopify’s stock price, rather than his annual income.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Shopify Founder

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Frequently Asked Questions: Shopify Founder’s Net Worth

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1. Who is the founder of Shopify?

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Tobias Lütke is the founder of Shopify. He started the company in 2006 with Daniel Weinand and Kyle Buzzard.

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2. What is Shopify’s founder, Tobias Lütke’s, net worth?

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As of recent estimates, Tobias Lütke’s net worth is approximately $7.4 billion.

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3. How did Tobias Lütke become a billionaire?

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Tobias Lütke became a billionaire through his majority stake in Shopify, which he founded and has led as CEO since its inception.

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4. What was Tobias Lütke’s background before starting Shopify?

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Before starting Shopify, Tobias Lütke was a computer programmer and created an online snowboard store with his wife. He built the platform for that store, which eventually evolved into Shopify.

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5. When was Shopify founded?

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Shopify was founded in 2006.

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6. How has Shopify grown since its founding?

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Shopify has grown significantly since its founding, with over 1.7 million businesses in approximately 175 countries using its platform as of 2021. It has also become a publicly traded company on the New York and Toronto Stock Exchanges.

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7. What is Shopify’s business model?

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Shopify’s business model involves charging merchants a monthly subscription fee for using its e-commerce platform, along with transaction fees and other services like shipping and marketing tools.

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8. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Shopify and its founder’s net worth?

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The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly boosted Shopify’s growth and Tobias Lütke’s net worth, as more businesses shifted to online platforms due to lockdowns and social distancing measures.

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9. What are some of Tobias Lütke’s other ventures or investments?

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Besides Shopify, Tobias Lütke has invested in various other companies and ventures, including Clearbanc, a funding platform for e-commerce businesses, and has also been involved in philanthropic efforts through the Lütke Family Foundation.

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10. What is Tobias Lütke’s leadership style like?

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Tobias Lütke is known for his hands-on and innovative approach to leadership. He has been described as a “technologist at heart” and has played a significant role in Shopify’s product development and strategic decisions.