In recent years, Ryan Reynolds has gone far beyond his Hollywood identity to emerge as a savvy investor, marketing genius, and national figure in Canada’s evolving fintech and tech innovation landscape. In an exclusive interview with The Globe and Mail, Reynolds shared insights into his growing portfolio, his vision for the future of Canadian fintech, and his ambitions in artificial intelligence — a space rapidly reshaping the global economy.
From Vancouver to Venture Capital: Reynolds’ Business Evolution
Known internationally for his roles in Deadpool, The Proposal, and other blockbuster films, Reynolds has gradually carved out a significant space for himself in the business world. His first major business splash came with an investment in the budget wireless provider Mint Mobile, which he helped transform into a cultural phenomenon through clever, self-aware marketing. In 2023, Mint Mobile was acquired by T-Mobile in a deal worth up to $1.35 billion — a move that solidified Reynolds as a serious investor and entrepreneur.
But what’s less known to the public is Reynolds’ deepening relationship with Canadian fintech companies. He has invested in Wealthsimple, a Toronto-based fintech platform that democratizes access to investing and financial planning. In the interview, Reynolds said:
“I’ve always believed that finance shouldn’t be gatekept. Wealthsimple was one of the first companies I saw that made investing feel human, accessible, and Canadian to its core.”
Wealthsimple, founded in 2014, is backed by major players such as Power Corporation of Canada and has become a leader in Canada’s digital investing landscape. Reynolds’ endorsement helped boost the platform’s visibility among younger Canadians, many of whom view him as both relatable and trustworthy.
(Source: The Globe and Mail – “Ryan Reynolds’ Expanding Business Empire”)
Championing Canada’s Innovation Economy
What sets Reynolds apart from many celebrity investors is his consistent commitment to Canadian businesses. He recently partnered with the Toronto-based venture firm Creative Destruction Lab (CDL), a non-profit accelerator associated with the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto. CDL supports science-based startups, including several in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and climate science.
According to CBC News, Reynolds participated in a roundtable with CDL founders and fellows to discuss how celebrities can use their platforms to drive capital and attention to innovation hubs in Canada.
“Canada has world-class talent,” said Reynolds. “The problem isn’t ideas, it’s amplification. That’s where I believe I can help.”
(Source: CBC News – “Ryan Reynolds visits Creative Destruction Lab to back Canadian startups”)
Stepping Into Artificial Intelligence
One of the most headline-grabbing moves by Reynolds in 2024 was his investment in a generative AI startup called Runway, a platform that offers cutting-edge video and image generation tools. While Runway is based in New York, Reynolds emphasized during the interview that the company’s leadership has strong ties to Canada and employs AI engineers from the University of Waterloo and McGill University.
In collaboration with Runway, Reynolds also launched Maximum Effort AI, an initiative to create responsible AI-generated media. He has expressed concerns about the ethics of AI in entertainment, especially regarding deepfakes and voice replication, stating:
“If we’re going to let machines co-author our stories, they need to be trained on values — not just data.”
Reynolds has advocated for stricter regulatory frameworks and transparency in AI development. He is currently consulting with Canadian lawmakers and academic institutions to ensure AI remains a force for good in both storytelling and financial technologies.
(Source: Financial Post – “Ryan Reynolds backs AI startup, stresses ethical guardrails”)
The Global Reach of Canadian Fintech and AI
Reynolds’ dual role as both investor and influencer has helped elevate the global perception of Canadian tech. By putting his weight behind firms like Wealthsimple, Runway, and the Creative Destruction Lab, Reynolds is helping bridge the gap between Canadian innovation and international markets.
In the past year alone, Wealthsimple has expanded its crypto trading and savings products internationally. Meanwhile, CDL-backed AI startups have been accepted into global accelerators and acquired by companies in Silicon Valley and Europe.
His involvement is not just symbolic. According to a recent feature in BetaKit, Reynolds has also started a mentorship fund to support BIPOC founders in Canada’s fintech and AI sectors. The initiative, called Northern Spark, will provide seed capital and marketing support to early-stage startups, with a specific focus on ethical innovation.
(Source: BetaKit – “Ryan Reynolds Launches ‘Northern Spark’ to Back Diverse Canadian Tech Founders”)
Reynolds’ Philosophy: Humor, Humanity, and Humility
Despite his expanding empire, Reynolds maintains an approachable demeanor and credits his Canadian upbringing for his balanced approach to business. He often uses humor not just in marketing campaigns, but in investor pitches and public statements. According to him, humor disarms, connects, and builds trust — a key currency in the fintech and AI sectors, where skepticism is common.
“Fintech and AI can be intimidating. But if you show people that the humans behind these tools are just as confused and curious as they are — you build something more than a brand. You build belief.”
He also attributes much of his recent success to collaboration. Whether it’s his ongoing partnership with Rob McElhenney in owning Wrexham AFC, or his co-investment with other Canadian entrepreneurs, Reynolds insists that shared vision matters more than ego.
Conclusion: More Than a Celebrity Investor
Ryan Reynolds is no longer just a movie star — he is a transformative figure in Canada’s startup ecosystem. Through his thoughtful investments, vocal advocacy for ethical technology, and unwavering support for Canadian talent, Reynolds has helped position Canada as a force in global fintech and AI. As innovation accelerates, so too does Reynolds’ influence — not just as a celebrity, but as a bridge between creativity, capital, and conscience.
Sources:
- The Globe and Mail – Ryan Reynolds’ Expanding Business Empire
- CBC News – Ryan Reynolds visits Creative Destruction Lab
- Financial Post – Ryan Reynolds backs AI startup, stresses ethical guardrails
- BetaKit – Ryan Reynolds Launches ‘Northern Spark’
