Melanie Perkins

Early Life and Background

Melanie Perkins was born on May 13, 1987, in Perth, Australia, to an engineer father of Malaysian and Filipino descent, and an educator mother with Australian roots. She grew up in Perth and attended Sacred Heart College. Her early education in a multi-cultural environment inspired her adaptability and innovative thinking. Perkins began demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit in her early years, selling handmade scarves during her time at university. She attended the University of Western Australia, where she studied communications, psychology, and commerce but eventually dropped out to focus on her business endeavors.

Career Beginnings and Development

At university, Perkins conceived the idea for Canva inspired by frustrations she experienced in learning complex design software as part of her studies. She initially launched Fusion Books in 2007, allowing students to design their own yearbooks online. The success of Fusion Books paved the way for learning valuable lessons in running a tech-enabled business that would later contribute to Canva's foundation.

Major Accomplishments

In 2012, Perkins co-founded Canva with co-partners Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams. Despite initial struggles and rejections from potential investors, the perseverance paid off when she secured funding from prominent Silicon Valley investor Bill Tai. Canva launched in 2013, quickly gaining traction for its user-friendly interface and accessibility, challenging existing design giants. By 2015, Canva had user coverage across 179 countries and expanded its offerings to educational and professional sectors.

Awards and Recognition

Melanie Perkins has received numerous accolades for her pioneering role in tech. Under her leadership, Canva was valued at over $40 billion by 2021. Additionally, she was listed among the richest women in Australia and featured in Forbes’ Top Under 30 of 2016 and on the cover of Forbes Asia in 2021, accentuating her impact in the tech space.

Personal Life

Perkins married Cliff Obrecht, her business partner at Canva, in 2021. They have maintained a robust professional relationship that mirrors their personal partnership. Although private about her personal life, Perkins’ relationship with Obrecht is foundational given their shared passion for entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

Legacy and Historical Impact

Melanie Perkins has significantly impacted the tech industry by focusing on inclusivity and accessibility in design. Canva’s model revolutionizes traditional graphic design paradigms, allowing anyone with internet access the ability to design without prior technical expertise. This vision has not only widened the accessibility of design tools globally but also challenged the oligopolistic structures in software design markets.

Later Life

As of 2023, Perkins continues to lead Canva as CEO, focusing on expanding its global reach and enhancing user experience. Dedicated to innovation and corporate responsibility, Perkins channels efforts into philanthropic ventures aiming to leverage Canva's power for educational advancements and global outreach.