Forbes StaffMelanie Perkins is an Australian entrepreneur and one of the youngest female CEOs of a tech unicorn. She is the co-founder and CEO of Canva, the revolutionary graphic design platform that has democratized design tools for over 135 million users worldwide. Born in Perth, Australia, in 1987, Melanie’s entrepreneurial journey began during her university days, where she identified a gap in the accessibility of design tools for non-designers.
The idea for Canva stemmed from Melanie’s first startup, Fusion Books, an online platform that allowed students and schools to design and print yearbooks. While Fusion Books became Australia’s largest yearbook publisher, Melanie realized that the concept could be expanded on a much larger scale. Alongside her co-founder and now husband, Cliff Obrecht, and technical co-founder Cameron Adams, she launched Canva in 2013.
Under Melanie’s leadership, Canva has grown into a global phenomenon, valued at over $25 billion, and recognized as one of the most user-friendly design platforms in the world. The company offers tools for everything from presentations to social media posts, making professional-grade design accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Beyond its technical achievements, Canva has embedded sustainability and philanthropy into its mission. Melanie is a firm believer in using business as a force for good, and Canva’s initiatives, such as free access to nonprofits and sustainability pledges, reflect her values.
Melanie has been featured on prestigious lists like Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and TIME 100 Next, celebrated for her innovative leadership and commitment to empowering others. Her journey, from a university student with a vision to a global tech leader, serves as a beacon of inspiration for entrepreneurs worldwide.
Today, Melanie continues to lead Canva with the same passion and purpose that launched it, proving that innovation and empathy can drive meaningful change in the business world.
