Mihal “Mike” Lazardidis

Early life

Mike Lazaridis was born on March 14, 1961, in Istanbul, Turkey, to Greek parents. At a young age, his family relocated to Canada, settling in Windsor, Ontario. Lazaridis displayed an interest in science and technology early in life, winning a prize at a high school science fair that enabled him to purchase his first computer. He pursued this passion further at the University of Waterloo, where he studied electrical engineering and computer science.

In 1979, he began his studies at the University of Waterloo, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering, with a specific interest in computer science. Five years later, in 1984, Lazaridis presented a solution to General Motors’ (GM) request for the development of a computer-controlled network display system. His proposal was met with approval, resulting in a contract from GM. The excitement of this opportunity prompted him to leave university just two months shy of his graduation.

With the financial backing of the GM contract, a modest government subsidy, and a loan from his parents, Lazaridis, along with Mike Barnstijn and Douglas Fregin, established Research In Motion (RIM). The fledgling company made its mark initially by developing barcode technology for film. The profits from this innovation were funneled back into the company for research on wireless data transmission. This focus culminated in the unveiling of the BlackBerry wireless mobile device in 1999, followed by an improved version in 2002.

Lazaridis and his wife, Ophelia, are also known for their charitable contributions in the Waterloo region, reflecting their commitment to giving back to their community.

Career

Lazaridis’ career took off when he co-founded Research In Motion (RIM, now known as BlackBerry Limited) in 1984. While still a student at the University of Waterloo, Lazaridis, along with childhood friend Doug Fregin, established the company with an initial focus on computer consulting and software development. RIM later transitioned to hardware and ushered in a revolution in the global mobile industry with the introduction of the BlackBerry smartphone in 1999.

Under Lazaridis’ guidance as co-CEO, BlackBerry devices became a staple in business and government communications worldwide, earning a reputation for their secure and efficient communication capabilities. Lazaridis stepped down as co-CEO of BlackBerry in 2012, marking nearly three decades of his technological leadership.

In addition to his work at BlackBerry, Lazaridis co-founded Quantum Valley Investments in 2013, a venture capital firm dedicated to funding breakthrough technologies in quantum information science.

Lazaridis has been notably generous in philanthropy as well. In 2000, he made a substantial donation, amounting to over $170 million, to establish the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Following that, in 2002, he and his wife, Ophelia, contributed more than $100 million to create the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo.

Lazaridis’ philanthropic streak continued into 2015, when he donated $20 million to Wilfrid Laurier University. This donation facilitated the establishment of a new institute specializing in technology management at their business school. In recognition of his generous contribution, the school was rechristened the Lazaridis School of Business & Economics.

Net Worth

Mike Lazaridis’ net worth is estimated to be approximately $600 million. His wealth primarily stems from his role in the development and success of BlackBerry Limited and his ongoing involvement in various business and technological investments.

Achievement

Throughout his career, Lazaridis has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades, attesting to his impact on the technology industry and the broader scientific community. In 2000, he was named as one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. He was awarded an Academy Award and an Emmy Award for technical achievements in the movie and TV industries, respectively.

Received an honorary doctor of engineering degree from the University of Waterloo on October 21, 1999.

Served as the eighth chancellor of the University of Waterloo in June 2003.

Featured in Maclean's Honour Roll as a distinguished Canadian in 2000.

Recognized as Canada's Nation Builder of the Year for 2002 by The Globe and Mail readers.

Made an Officer of the Order of Canada and a member of the Order of Ontario in 2006.

Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2014.

Lauded as a visionary, innovator, and talented engineer in the global wireless community,

Particularly as the founder of RIM and creator of the BlackBerry.

Donated significantly since 1999 to establish the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), and the University of Waterloo Quantum-Nano Centre, significantly influencing physics in Canada and making an international impact.

Won an Academy Award in 1999 for technical achievements concerning the creation of a high-speed barcode reader used in film editing, which also won him an Emmy in 1994.

Depicted in the 2023 film "BlackBerry" by Jay Baruchel.

Social Profile

Despite being a titan in the technology industry, Lazaridis has maintained a relatively low social media presence. He is not known for frequently posting on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.