In a story of resilience, vision, and remarkable success, Melanie Perkins, the co-founder and CEO of Canva, has transformed her once-rejected idea into a $26 billion design powerhouse—now ready to challenge the likes of Microsoft and Google in the productivity and design software space.
Back in the early 2010s, Perkins pitched her idea for a simple, accessible online design tool to over 100 investors—and was rejected every single time. But she never gave up. With relentless determination, she co-founded Canva in 2013 with Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams, building it into one of the world’s most popular design platforms.
Today, Canva serves more than 175 million users in over 190 countries, offering a free, intuitive alternative to complex software like Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft PowerPoint, and even Google Slides. From social media graphics to professional presentations, Canva has democratized design for individuals, businesses, educators, and nonprofits alike.
Perkins, who owns a significant share of the company, now has a net worth of $6.5 billion, making her one of the wealthiest and most influential women in tech. Her focus on purpose-driven growth and giving back has also made her a standout entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry.
As Canva expands into AI-powered tools, real-time collaboration, and workplace solutions, the company is no longer just a design tool—it’s a serious competitor in the global tech ecosystem, taking on giants like Google Workspace and Microsoft Office.
