More than ten years ago, Melanie Perkins set out on a bold mission to make graphic design accessible to everyone, not just professionals. With no technical background but a clear vision, she co founded Canva alongside Cliff Obrecht, aiming to democratize design in an increasingly visual world shaped by social media.
The road to success wasn’t smooth. In their early days, Perkins and Obrecht pitched their idea to investors over 100 times, only to face repeated rejection. But their perseverance paid off. Today, Canva stands as the world’s most valuable startup led and founded by a woman, with a staggering valuation of $26 billion.
The platform now boasts over 170 million users across the globe and generates an impressive $3 billion in annual revenue. Perkins, still serving as CEO, owns roughly 18% of the company. Demonstrating a strong commitment to social impact, she and Obrecht have pledged the majority of their stakes to the Canva Foundation.
Canva’s growth has attracted a host of influential investors. Notable names include Sequoia Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, T. Rowe Price, and Franklin Templeton. High-profile supporters such as former Disney CEO Bob Iger and major financial institutions like Goldman Sachs and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan have also backed the company’s vision.
What began as a simple idea has grown into a global design powerhouse proof that perseverance and purpose can reshape an entire industry.
By Faith Mwende
