Melanie Perkins

Melanie Perkins is an Australian technology entrepreneur and the co-founder and CEO of Canva, a graphic design platform that has transformed how people create visual content. Perkins has stated that the slow learning curve of traditional design tools prompted her to explore simpler, web-based alternatives. The Canva journey began while she was studying at the University of Western Australia, where she taught students how to use programs such as InDesign and Photoshop—programs that many found difficult to learn and use. Recognizing a significant gap in the market, Perkins envisioned a world where professional-quality design would be accessible to everyone, regardless of technical skill.

Before launching Canva, Perkins developed her entrepreneurial skills with an earlier venture. Alongside co-founder Cliff Obrecht, she founded Fusion Books, which enabled schools to create yearbooks using an online drag-and-drop editor and template library. The business expanded in Australia and later operated in New Zealand and France. Perkins and Obrecht believed their technology had applications far beyond the yearbook market and began pitching a broader design platform. Through connections in the tech industry, they met investor Bill Tai and, via Google Maps co-creator Lars Rasmussen, were introduced to former Google designer Cameron Adams, who joined as Canva's third co-founder and chief product officer.

Canva launched publicly and has reported periods of profitability as it scaled. The company reached one million monthly active users within about two years of launch, with user growth continuing to multiply. Perkins became one of the youngest female CEOs in the technology sector to lead a unicorn. Canva is recognized as the world's most valuable startup both founded and led by a woman. Under Perkins' leadership, Canva has introduced products such as "Magic Studio" and the "Canva Visual Worksuite," reflecting her vision to empower individuals and businesses to create compelling visual content efficiently. Canva also released "Visual Suite 2," an interface that combines design and productivity tools, including a spreadsheets application, a generative AI coding assistant, a chatbot, and an updated photo editor.

Perkins has been recognized for her impact on the technology industry. She has appeared on the Forbes list of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women and in Fortune's list of Most Powerful Women. Canva is used by 85 percent of Fortune 500 companies. Perkins is among the 2 percent of female CEOs of venture-backed companies and has implemented policies at Canva to eliminate bias in the hiring process, resulting in 41 percent female representation. Perkins and Obrecht joined the Giving Pledge, committing at least half of their fortune to philanthropic purposes. Canva's Two-Step Plan has reached a milestone of $1 billion worth of product donated through its free Canva for Education and Canva for Nonprofits programs.

As a public speaker, Perkins shares her story of resilience and vision with global audiences. She has delivered keynotes at events such as Sunrise North Island and SXSW Sydney, including "Canva's Story: From Idea to Startup to World Leader." As a keynote speaker, Perkins discusses the mindset shifts and resilience required to scale a startup into a global leader, while encouraging the next generation of female founders to challenge conventions. At Canva Create, Perkins participated in a fireside chat with Daniela Amodei, president and co-founder of Anthropic, discussing mission-driven innovation and the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence. Her journey from university student to CEO of a leading design platform positions her as a significant voice on entrepreneurship, creativity, and the future of technology.