For its fifth annual 30 under 30, featuring 600 young entrepreneurs demonstrating impressive entrepreneurship, Forbes looked at over 15,000 contenders across 20 different sectors, including consumer tech, music, and even Hollywood and entertainment.
“In the past, youth was a handicap to professional success. Getting older meant more resources, more knowledge, more money. No more,” said Forbes editor Caroline Howard. “Those who grew up in the tech age have way bigger ambitions — perfectly suited to the dynamic, entrepreneurial and impatient digital world they grew up in.”
Finding themselves on an extensive list including NBA star Steph Curry and singer (and fellow Canadian) Shawn Mendes, two Canadians managed to snag a spot in the retail and ecommerce sector of the 30 under 30. Shopify director of product Satish Kanwar was noted for “being instrumental in launching the ecommerce software outfit’s biggest outfits, including Facebook and Pinterest’s Buy Buttons.” Working for a Canadian company that boasts a successful IPO last year and a market cap of $2.5 billion, it isn’t surprising that Forbes would recognize a Shopify employee.
Thanks to the team at @Forbes for having me on this year's retail & ecommerce list! ???? https://t.co/KXnyPnFgV2 https://t.co/XlpQmSq9So
— Satish Kanwar (@skanwar) January 4, 2016
The retail and ecommerce sector 30 under 30 also recognized Alberta native Nathan Williams, co-founder of Kinfolk magazine. Currently based in Copenhagen, Williams is the editor-in-chief of the upscale magazine and helped translate its success into a fashion and home product line called Ouur collection.