Who Is Mike Lazaridis? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mike Lazaridis, a renowned Canadian businessman, was born on March 14, 1961. As of 2025, he is 64 years old. Lazaridis is best known as the co-founder of Research In Motion (RIM), which later became BlackBerry Limited. His groundbreaking work in telecommunications and mobile computing has left a lasting impact on the tech industry.
| Occupation | Billionaire |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 14, 1961 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Turkey |
Popularity
Mike Lazaridis's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although Mike Lazaridis prefers to keep some personal information private, estimates suggest that he stands around 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 170 pounds (77 kg). His dedicated lifestyle and passion for innovation reflect in his overall well-being.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Lazaridis has often kept details of his personal life under wraps. However, it is known that he has been married to his longtime partner, who has been a significant support throughout his career. While not much is revealed about his dating life, his commitment to family and relationships has been evident over the years.
In 1979, he enrolled at the University of Waterloo in electrical engineering with an option in computer science. In 1984, Lazaridis responded to a request for proposal from General Motors (GM) to develop a network computer control display system. GM awarded him a contract.
He dropped out of university that year, just two months before he was scheduled to graduate. The GM contract, a small government grant, and a loan from Lazaridis's parents enabled Lazaridis, Mike Barnstijn, and Douglas Fregin to launch Research In Motion. One of the company's first achievements was the development of barcode technology for film.
RIM plowed the profits from that into wireless data transmission research, eventually leading to the introduction of the BlackBerry wireless mobile device in 1999, and its better-known version in 2002.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Mike Lazaridis boasts an impressive net worth estimated at $800 million. His wealth primarily stems from his groundbreaking success with BlackBerry, along with various investments in tech startups and innovations in the telecommunications sector. His annual salary continues to reflect his status as a leading figure in the business world.
Mihal "Mike" Lazaridis (born March 14, 1961) is a Greek Canadian businessman, investor in quantum computing technologies, and co-founder of Research In Motion, which created and manufactured the BlackBerry wireless handheld device. In November 2009, Canadian Business ranked Lazaridis as the 11th wealthiest Canadian, with an estimated net worth of CA$2.9billion (equivalent to $billion in ).
Career, Business and Investments
Mike Lazaridis' career began in the late 1980s when he co-founded RIM. Under his leadership, BlackBerry became a symbol of mobile communication innovation, dominating the smartphone market in the early 2000s. Following his success with BlackBerry, Lazaridis has turned his attention to investments in emerging technologies and startups, particularly in the fields of quantum computing and advanced communications infrastructure. His commitment to advancing technology has earned him numerous awards and recognition in the industry.
Lazaridis served in various positions including co-chairman and co-CEO of BlackBerry from 1984 to 2012 and Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Innovation Committee from 2012 to 2013.
As an 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 the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, where he also serves as board chair. In 2002, he founded the Institute for Quantum Computing. He is also a former chancellor of the University of Waterloo, and an Officer of the Order of Canada (OC).
Social Network
Though Mike Lazaridis is not as active on social media as many of his peers in the tech industry, he does maintain a presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where he engages with professionals and shares insights on innovation. His contributions to various tech forums and conferences reflect his ongoing passion for technology and connection within the business community.
Education
Lazaridis attended the University of Waterloo, where he studied electrical engineering. His educational background played a pivotal role in shaping his entrepreneurial spirit and technical expertise. The skills and knowledge he gained during his academic years provided a solid foundation for his future achievements in the tech world.
