Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, is a global technology entrepreneur recognized for transforming graphic design through innovation and accessibility. From a university student with a simple idea to leading a multi-billion-dollar tech company, Perkins’ journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and leadership. This Melanie Perkins biography explores her rise, business achievements, and impact on global digital design.

Early Life & Education

Born on May 13, 1987, in Perth, Australia, Melanie Perkins showed an early interest in design and technology. She studied Communications, Digital Media, and Design at the University of Western Australia, where her idea for a simplified design platform began. Her vision was to make professional design accessible to everyone, regardless of technical expertise.

The Birth of Canva

In 2007, Melanie Perkins co-founded Fusion Books, an online tool for creating school yearbooks. This experience revealed the demand for user-friendly design software.

In 2012, she teamed up with Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams to launch Canva, an online graphic design platform that enables users to create professional-quality graphics with ease. Canva’s unique approach—combining simplicity, templates, and accessibility—quickly disrupted the design software market.

Business Growth & Achievements

Under Perkins’ leadership, Canva achieved remarkable milestones:

• Valuation exceeding $40 billion as of 2025
• Over 100 million active users worldwide
• Expansion into enterprise, education, and non-profit sectors
• Launch of AI-powered design tools and advanced collaborative features

Melanie Perkins’ strategic vision positioned Canva as a global leader in tech-driven creative solutions.

Global Impact & Recognition

Perkins has been widely recognized for her entrepreneurship and innovation:

• Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Business
• Time 100 Next list
• Youngest self-made female billionaire in Australia

Her work emphasizes accessibility, empowerment, and design democratization, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in tech.

Legacy & Vision for the Future

Today, Melanie Perkins continues to drive Canva’s expansion globally, focusing on innovation, AI integration, and user empowerment. Her story demonstrates how a clear vision, persistence, and leadership can disrupt industries and redefine possibilities in digital business and creative technology.