$12.6 billion (US) in net worth
Age: 43
DOB: Born: 17 November 1979
Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut, United States
About Mike Cannon-Brookes
Mike Cannon-Brookes is an influential Australian businessman renowned for his dynamic leadership in the technology and innovation sectors. In 2002, at the age of 23 he co-founded Atlassian Corporation alongside his university friend Scott Farquhar. This enterprise software company specialises in developing products for software developers, project managers and content management.
Under Cannon-Brookes’ visionary leadership as co-CEO, Atlassian has grown into a global tech powerhouse, serving millions of customers worldwide with its collaboration and productivity tools such as Jira, Confluence, and Trello. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering a thriving tech ecosystem have elevated Atlassian to remarkable heights and made him an emblematic figure in the Australian tech landscape.
Beyond his professional achievements, Cannon-Brookes is recognised for his sustainability and climate change initiatives advocacy. His determination to address environmental issues reflects his commitment to using technology as a force for positive change, reinforcing his status as an influential figure in both the business and environmental realms.
How Did Mike Cannon-Brookes generate his wealth?
Mike Cannon-Brookes generated his substantial wealth through his remarkable journey as a tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Atlassian Corporation.
In 2002, while still a student at the University of New South Wales, he and his college friend Scott Farquhar took a bold step by founding Atlassian. Initially operating out of a small apartment in Sydney, this company focused on developing software solutions for software developers and project managers.
Under Cannon-Brookes’ visionary leadership as co-CEO, Atlassian’s products, including Jira, Confluence, Bitbucket and Trello, became essential tools for organisations worldwide, enabling effective project management, collaboration and software development.
The company’s rapid growth, propelled by its innovative products and global expansion, led to a successful initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ stock exchange in 2015, raising substantial capital. Atlassian’s continuous evolution, strategic acquisitions and a strong commitment to customer satisfaction solidified its position as a tech industry leader.
Cannon-Brookes’ entrepreneurial spirit, ability to identify market trends, and dedication to fostering a dynamic company culture were pivotal in Atlassian’s success, ultimately resulting in his significant wealth and recognition as a prominent figure in the global tech landscape.
Awards and Recognitions
Mike Cannon-Brookes has received several awards and recognitions for his impressive contributions to the global and Australian tech industry and business world.
The most notable of them is the Australian IT Professional of the Year award – which he jointly won with Scott Farquhar in 2004.
Two years later, he was also bestowed the prestigious title of ‘Australian Entrepreneur of the Year’.
Private Life
Cannon-Brookes’ father, also called Mike, is a successful executive in the global banking industry. As a child, Mike Jr went to Sydney’s Cranbrook School, before graduating with a degree in information systems from the University of NSW.
Today he is an adjunct professor in the Computer Science and Engineering department at the same university. He is also a member of The Forum of Young Global Leaders.
Currently, Cannon-Brookes has four children with Annie Todd, to whom he is married. They first met in a Qantas lounge before a flight from Sydney to San Francisco and lived for quite some time in Centennial Park in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. In 2018 they bought the most expensive house ever purchased in Australia at Point Piper for about A$100 million – right next door to Scott Farquhar’s A$71 million property.
Cannon-Brookes also owns a 1923-built heritage house in Double Bay, for A$17 million and has a minority stake in the NBA team Utah Jazz.