When Perkins and Obrecht founded Canva in 2012, they had a current net worth of 13 billion AUD in 2023.
They brought together their creative spirit and useful knowledge from the complex world of business printing, particularly with regard to school yearbooks. Through the integration of user-friendliness lessons—a fundamental principle from their past encounters—the two established the groundwork for what would eventually grow into a revolutionary visual design platform.
Canva has become a shining example of success in Australia’s internet industry over the years, inspiring the artistic pursuits of over 135 million people each month. A group of eminent venture investors, led by Blackbird Ventures, provided strategic support that contributed to this quick ascent. The business’s valuation soared to an astounding $55 billion in 2021, demonstrating its extensive market effect and widespread acceptance.
But the shifting dynamics of the financial scene—especially the effects of growing interest rates—opened a more complex chapter in Canva’s story. The candidate for a Nasdaq IPO, which was first expected to make a splash, had its valuation adjusted and ended up at $39 billion following a secondary share sale in August. This modification highlights how tech valuations are inherently volatile and susceptible to changes in the macroeconomic environment.
Perkins and Obrecht’s entrepreneurial vision has proven resilient, as seen by their preservation of a sizable 30% ownership position in Canva, even in the face of a valuation adjustment. Interestingly, one aspect of their financial trajectory that jumps out is their dedication to philanthropy. The business couple, who have promised to donate a large share of their money to philanthropic causes, are an example of a responsible approach to wealth that goes beyond company success to positively benefit society. As a result, their value is determined by more than just financial metrics; rather, it takes into account their overall dedication to creativity, resiliency, and a shared sense of social duty.