Melanie Perkins, an Australian tech billionaire and co-founder of Canva, a well-known graphic design platform, was born on May 13, 1987. Canva has gained popularity as a tool among individuals, companies, and designers all around the world thanks to its user-friendly interface and extensive library of templates.
Perkins was born in Perth, Western Australia, and was raised by a Malaysian engineer of Filipino and Sri Lankan ancestry and an Australian teacher. She showed an early interest in entrepreneurship, launching her first company while still a high school student and selling handmade scarves.
Perkins persevered in the face of multiple rejections from investors in her area until catching the eye of renowned investor Bill Tai. Perkins raised money and put together a competent tech team with the aid of her co-founder Cliff Obrecht to realize her vision for Canva. At the helm of Canva as one of Australia’s youngest female CEOs of a tech start-up, Perkins has led the company to a global following and a valuation of over A$1 billion.
Perkins is renowned for her creative and progressive leadership, continuously working to enhance Canva and open up graphic design to everyone. She has received recognition and honors for her contributions to the technology sector, establishing her position as one of the most significant personalities in the business and technological worlds.
How much of Canva does Melanie Perkins own?
Canva was established in 2013 by Perkins, her future husband Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams in Sydney, Australia, but because of its location, it encountered investor skepticism. She shares an estimated 18% ownership with Obrecht. For humanitarian purposes, the pair have promised to donate the Canva Foundation more than 80% of their stake.