• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Decoder.ca

Decoder.ca

Canadian Tech in 100 Words

 
  • About
  • News
  • Techtalent.ca
  • Dictionary
  • Contact

Shopify

Shopify CEO, Palihapitiya Debate AI’s Limits and Promise

June 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

At Toronto Tech Week’s Homecoming panel, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke and Social Capital’s Chamath Palihapitiya discussed artificial intelligence’s promise and pitfalls. Lütke warned companies against clinging to tools instead of focusing on core problems. “Fall in love with problems,” he said, urging flexible thinking in AI use.

Palihapitiya called AI “transformational,” capable of rebuilding society, but downplayed “vibe coding” as ineffective. Both stressed infrastructure challenges ahead, from energy to silicon. Lütke rejected claims that STEM degrees were devalued by AI, labeling it a “dangerous narrative.” The panel, hosted by Satish Kanwar, offered both optimism and caution for AI’s next frontier.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.

Shopify Adds USDC Payments for Global Merchants

June 13, 2025 by Newsdesk

Shopify will now allow merchants to accept USDC, a leading stablecoin, through partnerships with Coinbase and Stripe. CEO Tobi Lütke announced the update at Coinbase’s conference in New York, highlighting USDC’s growing role in digital commerce.

The feature, built on Coinbase’s Base network and integrated into Shop Pay and Shopify Payments, ensures merchants can receive local currency with no FX fees. Early access has begun, with a broader rollout planned. Stablecoins like USDC, designed for low volatility, are gaining traction in global payments. Shopify’s move reflects its continued embrace of crypto and decentralized finance in e-commerce.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Fintech.ca.

Inside Shopify’s Retreat from Equity Commitments

May 14, 2025 by Newsdesk

Shopify has shuttered its equity-focused programs, ending initiatives that supported Black, Indigenous, and women entrepreneurs. Internal discord began after executive Kaz Nejatian pledged to restore a Sir John A. Macdonald statue, sparking debate over the company’s commitment to inclusion.

Former staff allege that diversity was used as marketing, not mission. Programs like Build Native and Build Black, once heralded, were quietly cut in 2025. Executives now frame DEI work as “virtue signalling.” Staff say the closures came abruptly, erasing support for merchants who brought in real revenue. For some, it marked a cultural turning point—and a political one.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Shopify Limits Dev Exemption to $1M Lifetime Cap

May 2, 2025 by Newsdesk

Shopify is ending its annual $1 million USD revenue-sharing exemption for app developers, introduced during the pandemic to aid small businesses. Going forward, the exemption will apply only to a developer’s first $1 million USD in lifetime revenue. The 15% share remains on earnings above that.

While Shopify says the change ensures fairness, critics argue it penalizes successful developers and hurts morale. Developers took to social media to question the policy’s timing and intent. Shopify stated the funds will support tools and infrastructure for all partners. Earnings before Jan. 1, 2025, will not count toward the new threshold.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.

Former Rogers CEO Tapped for Shopify Board Amid Leadership Shift

April 30, 2025 by Newsdesk

Shopify has nominated former Rogers CEO Joe Natale for election to its board at its June 17 AGM. If approved, Natale will succeed outgoing lead independent director Robert Ashe. Currently an adviser at Altas Partners, Natale brings decades of Canadian telecom experience. His 2021 departure from Rogers followed a high-profile boardroom dispute.

Shopify’s board has recently added leaders from U.S. tech giants and high-profile startups. The company also disclosed that CEO Tobi Lütke’s total compensation rose to US$150 million in 2024—mostly in stock options—up sharply from US$20 million the year before.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Logic.

Mark Carney Once Considered Top Role at Shopify

April 25, 2025 by Newsdesk

Former Shopify CMO Craig Miller revealed that Prime Minister Mark Carney was offered the role of President at Shopify in 2020. Miller said Carney was “genuine, thoughtful, and wicked smart,” but ultimately chose Brookfield Asset Management to focus on climate and investing. The position later went to Harley Finkelstein.

Carney’s tech ties also include a board role at Stripe. As Canada votes, Shopify’s leadership has grown more politically vocal—CEO Tobi Lütke endorsed Carney’s character but criticized the Liberal platform. COO Kaz Nejatian publicly supported Pierre Poilievre.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on BetaKit.

Wealthsimple Acquires Team Behind Fintech Startup Plenty

April 9, 2025 by Newsdesk

Toronto-based fintech Wealthsimple has acquired the team behind San Francisco wealth platform Plenty. Co-founders Emily Luk and Channing Allen will join Wealthsimple’s product and engineering teams, respectively, along with three software developers. Founded in 2021, Plenty helped couples manage finances, including tools for budgeting, joint accounts, and even breakups.

The startup, backed by Inovia Capital, raised nearly $11M CAD and will shut down May 10. Wealthsimple says the team’s experience will enhance its offerings for families and couples. Luk previously held leadership roles at Stripe and Even, while Allen served as technical lead at Even.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Betakit.

Shopify Makes AI Use Mandatory for Staff

April 7, 2025 by Newsdesk

Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke has declared the use of artificial intelligence mandatory across the company. In a memo shared internally and on X, Lütke said AI adoption is now a baseline job requirement, with usage factored into employee performance reviews.

Developers must use AI during product prototyping, and additional staffing will only be approved if tasks can’t be accomplished using AI tools. The Ottawa-based firm has deployed internal tools for code generation and review, while its merchant-facing AI suite includes Sidekick and email content generators. Despite a flat hiring outlook, Shopify continues to recruit for AI roles.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techtalent.ca.

40% of Shopify’s Interns Come From University of Waterloo

April 4, 2025 by Newsdesk

Tobias Lütke, CEO and co-founder of Shopify, praised the University of Waterloo’s talent pipeline during a fireside chat with university president Vivek Goel. Lütke revealed Shopify hires 40% of its interns from Waterloo, lauding its co-op students as among the best globally. He emphasized Canada’s potential to lead in tech through domestic talent.

Waterloo’s co-op program links over 8,000 employers with students, enriching Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Shopify is now hiring for Fall 2025 Engineering & Data Internships, running September 2 to December 19. Applications open April 7.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techtalent.ca.

Shopify Execs Challenge Ottawa’s Grip on Innovation

April 3, 2025 by Newsdesk

A combative turn in Canadian tech discourse saw Shopify executives publicly rebuke federal policy. COO Kaz Nejatian, President Harley Finkelstein, and ex-VP Daniel Debow criticized government overreach, sparking debate on X. Their complaints helped rally a tech-led reform group, Build Canada, promoting AI-driven governance and deregulation.

Observers worry this rising “broligarchy”—inspired by U.S. tech’s political incursions—undermines democratic norms. Though claiming neutrality, Build Canada aligns with conservative populism and seeks systemic disruption. Critics fear tech elites mistake disruption for governance. As government trust falters, this shift could reshape policymaking—or democracy itself.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on The Walrus.

Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

 

Stay in Touch

  • LinkedIn
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2025 Incubate Ventures | Techtalent.ca · Techcouver.com · Calgary.tech · Fintech.ca · CleanEnergy.ca | Privacy