Mike Lazaridis

Who is Mike Lazaridis?

Mihal "Mike" Lazaridis, OC, O.Ont, FRS is a Greek - Canadian businessman, investor in quantum computing technologies, and founder and Vice Chairman of BlackBerry, which created and manufactures the BlackBerry wireless handheld device. As a passionate advocate for the power of basic science to improve and transform the world, he co-founded Quantum Valley Investments in March 2013 with childhood friend and BlackBerry co-founder Douglas Fregin to provide financial and intellectual capital for the further development and commercialization of breakthroughs in quantum information science. In 1999 he founded Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he also serves as Board Chair. He is also a former chancellor of the University of Waterloo, and an Officer of the Order of Canada. With an estimated net worth of $US 800 Million, Lazaridis was ranked by Forbes as the 17th wealthiest Canadian and 651st in the world.