Toronto, the economic heartbeat of Canada, is home to some of the most inspiring and innovative entrepreneurs. These individuals have not only transformed their industries but also contributed significantly to their communities and the city’s economy. Whether through groundbreaking technology, sustainable businesses, or creative ventures, these Toronto-based leaders are changing the game. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring entrepreneurs in Toronto City who are making waves.
1. Michele Romanow – Co-Founder of Clearbanc (now Clearco)
Michele Romanow is a tech titan and a powerhouse in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Toronto. As the co-founder of Clearco, Michele revolutionized the way startups access capital. Clearco provides growth financing to businesses in exchange for a percentage of future revenue, removing barriers for many founders, particularly those in the e-commerce space.
Beyond her business ventures, Michele is a familiar face as one of the “dragons” on CBC’s Dragons’ Den. Her success and advocacy for young entrepreneurs make her a role model for aspiring business leaders in Toronto and beyond.
Inspiring Achievement: Michele’s Clearco has provided over $2 billion in funding to businesses worldwide.
2. John Ruffolo – Founder of OMERS Ventures
John Ruffolo is one of Toronto’s most influential figures in the venture capital and startup world. As the founder of OMERS Ventures, he has helped nurture and fund some of Canada’s biggest success stories, including Shopify and Hootsuite. John is also the founder of Maverix Private Equity, a fund dedicated to growth investments.
His ability to identify potential and support entrepreneurs has played a pivotal role in Toronto’s reputation as a thriving hub for startups.
Inspiring Achievement: John is recognized as one of the leading voices in Canadian entrepreneurship and a catalyst for innovation.
3. Eva Wong – Co-Founder and COO of Borrowell
Eva Wong is the co-founder of Borrowell, a fintech company providing Canadians with free credit scores and financial tools to manage their money. Eva’s mission is clear: empower people to take charge of their financial health.
Borrowell’s success in democratizing financial information has earned it accolades and widespread adoption, making Eva a standout entrepreneur in Toronto’s booming tech landscape.
Inspiring Achievement: Borrowell has helped over 2 million Canadians improve their credit health.
4. Joanna Griffiths – Founder of Knix
Joanna Griffiths is redefining women’s intimate apparel with her company, Knix. As the founder and CEO, Joanna has built one of Canada’s fastest-growing direct-to-consumer brands by championing body positivity and inclusivity.
Knix specializes in innovative, leakproof, and comfortable underwear and apparel. Joanna’s dedication to breaking stigmas and empowering women has made Knix a household name, both in Toronto and globally.
Inspiring Achievement: Knix surpassed $100 million in revenue, a testament to Joanna’s vision and leadership.
5. Ryan Holmes – Founder of Hootsuite
Ryan Holmes is the visionary founder of Hootsuite, one of the world’s leading social media management platforms. Headquartered in Toronto, Hootsuite enables businesses to manage multiple social media channels efficiently.
Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey, from a small startup to an international tech success, highlights his innovative thinking and commitment to solving real-world business problems.
Inspiring Achievement: Hootsuite serves over 18 million customers worldwide.
6. Shahrzad Rafati – Founder and CEO of BroadbandTV (BBTV)
Shahrzad Rafati is a trailblazer in the digital media and entertainment space. As the founder and CEO of BroadbandTV (BBTV), she has transformed the way video content is managed and monetized online.
Headquartered in Toronto, BBTV is a global leader, and Shahrzad’s entrepreneurial vision has positioned her as a role model for women in tech and media industries.
Inspiring Achievement: Shahrzad led BBTV to become one of the world’s largest video platforms, with billions of monthly views.
7. Allan Lau – Co-Founder and CEO of Wattpad
Allan Lau co-founded Wattpad, a platform that connects writers and readers worldwide. Wattpad, headquartered in Toronto, has transformed the way people consume and share stories, giving aspiring writers a global platform to showcase their talent.
Under Allan’s leadership, Wattpad became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of users and inspiring film and TV adaptations of user-generated content.
Inspiring Achievement: Wattpad has a global audience of over 90 million users.
Final Thoughts
Toronto is a city that thrives on innovation, diversity, and resilience. These inspiring entrepreneurs have not only built successful businesses but have also contributed to the community, economy, and culture of the city. From technology to fashion, their stories prove that with vision, hard work, and creativity, anything is possible.
If you’re looking for inspiration to start your own entrepreneurial journey, let these leaders remind you that Toronto is a city where dreams can flourish and impact can be made.