Melanie Perkins, the innovative mind behind Canva, stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and vision in the tech world. Born on May 13, 1987, in Perth, Australia, Melanie embarked on a journey that would not only redefine the design landscape but also establish her as one of the most successful entrepreneurs of her generation.
Early Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Melanie’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. While attending Sacred Heart College in Perth, she demonstrated an early knack for business by launching her first venture at the age of fourteen—selling handmade scarves at local markets. This experience ignited her entrepreneurial drive, laying the foundation for her future endeavors.
Fusion Books: A Prelude to Canva
Upon entering the University of Western Australia, Melanie identified a gap in the market for simplifying the design process, particularly for students learning graphic design. Together with her future husband, Cliff Obrecht, she founded Fusion Books in 2007—a platform allowing students to design their own school yearbooks. Despite initial challenges, Fusion Books flourished, becoming Australia’s largest yearbook company within five years.
The Birth of Canva
Melanie’s ambition extended beyond yearbooks. In 2011, she conceptualized Canva—an intuitive design platform accessible to users of all skill levels. Despite facing skepticism from investors, Melanie persisted, eventually catching the attention of Silicon Valley investor Bill Tai. With Tai’s guidance and the addition of Cameron Adams as co-founder, Canva was officially launched in 2013.
Revolutionizing the Design Landscape
Canva’s impact on the design industry has been nothing short of revolutionary. Offering a user-friendly interface and a vast library of design elements, Canva empowers individuals and businesses worldwide to create professional-quality graphics effortlessly. Melanie’s vision of democratizing design has garnered widespread acclaim, with Canva boasting 125 million users across 190 countries.
Pioneering Diversity and Inclusion
As CEO of Canva, Melanie prioritizes diversity and inclusion within the company. By implementing policies to eliminate bias in the hiring process, Canva has achieved 41% female representation—significantly higher than the industry average. Melanie’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace reflects her belief in the power of diverse perspectives.
Personal Philanthropy and Commitment to Giving Back
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits, Melanie is dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Together with Cliff Obrecht, she pledged to donate the majority of their fortune to charitable causes. Their commitment to philanthropy led them to join the Giving Pledge in 2021, further solidifying their dedication to creating meaningful change.
Ten Things to Know About Melanie Perkins
- Melanie Perkins was born on May 13, 1987, in Perth, Australia.
- She founded her first business at the age of fourteen, selling handmade scarves at local markets.
- Melanie dropped out of university at nineteen to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions.
- Fusion Books, Melanie’s first venture with Cliff Obrecht, became Australia’s largest yearbook company.
- Canva, founded in 2013, now boasts 125 million users across 190 countries.
- Melanie is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within Canva, achieving 41% female representation.
- She and Cliff Obrecht have pledged to donate the majority of their fortune to charitable causes.
- Melanie joined the Giving Pledge in 2021, reaffirming her commitment to philanthropy.
- Canva has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including being ranked third on Forbes’ “Cloud 100” list.
- Melanie’s net worth is estimated at $9.21 billion as of January 2022, making her one of Australia’s wealthiest individuals.