20VC: Building Shopify From $5m To IPO, Why The Future Of Retail Is Not Online vs Offline & Why Law School Is Like Finishing School For Entrepreneurs with Harley Finkelstein, COO @ Shopify

In this episode of The Twenty Minute VC, Harry Stebbings interviews Harley Finkelstein, the CEO of Shopify, about his journey from being a Shopify merchant to a key executive. Harley discusses his early entrepreneurial ventures, how he joined Shopify, and the company's focus on product development over chasing revenue. He emphasizes the importance of timing and adapting to the changing landscape of entrepreneurship, including the rise of the "side hustle." They delve into Shopify's strategic decision to embrace omnichannel retail and the evolving role of brick-and-mortar stores in providing unique consumer experiences. Harley also shares his insights on how technology is shaping consumer brands, the decision to take Shopify public, and the key to being a trusted public company. The episode concludes with a quick-fire round covering various topics, including building a business outside traditional tech hubs and Harley's favorite Shopify stores.