Dax DaSilva leads Lightspeed Commerce as CEO, shaping it into a global force in unified point-of-sale and payments technology. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into over 100 countries, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses with cutting-edge solutions. His approach to business is deeply rooted in fostering diverse and inclusive corporate cultures, a principle he established from the start when the original Lightspeed team was composed entirely of LGBTQ professionals. This commitment to inclusivity has remained a driving force behind the company’s innovation, ensuring that Lightspeed not only delivers industry-leading products but also builds an environment where different perspectives thrive.
Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, DaSilva pursued a bachelor's degree in computer science, art history, and religious studies at the University of British Columbia. His multidisciplinary background informs his leadership style, merging technology with creativity and a sense of purpose. At Lightspeed, he has steered the company through major milestones, including its public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2019 and the New York Stock Exchange in 2020. Over the years, he has overseen strategic acquisitions that strengthened the company’s offerings, culminating in the launch of flagship products like Lightspeed Retail and Lightspeed Restaurant.
Beyond business, DaSilva’s impact is evident in his environmental activism. In 2021, he launched Age of Union, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation efforts worldwide, backed by his $40 million personal pledge. From protecting endangered wildlife in the Democratic Republic of Congo to funding anti-poaching operations at sea, his initiatives reflect his belief in taking direct action. For DaSilva, leadership is about empowering others to rise, promoting a culture where new changemakers are inspired to lead with their own vision.