Melanie Perkins

Q: Why did Melanie Perkins drop out of college?

She left the University of Western Australia at 19 to focus on developing Fusion Books , aiming to simplify the design process for students.

Q: What are Melanie Perkins's key achievements?

Co-founding Canva , leading it to a valuation of $40 billion , and being recognized among the world's most powerful women are among her notable accomplishments.

Q: Where was Melanie Perkins raised?

She was raised in Perth, Western Australia .

BIO:

Name: Melanie Perkins
Title/Position: Co-founder and CEO of Canva
Industry: Technology, Design
Location: Sydney, Australia
Age: 37 - (13th of May 1987)
Net Worth: As of February 2025, Melanie Perkins’ net worth is estimated at $5.8 billion.

Image credit of Melanie Perkins: 2019 – Centre Stage – Day 1 by Web Summit is licensed under CC BY 2.0. — **Image credit**: 2019 – Centre Stage – Day 1 by Web Summit is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Melanie Perkins’s Story

Melanie Perkins‘s journey from a young Australian surfer to the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar tech company is nothing short of inspiring. Born in 1987 in Perth, Western Australia, to a Malaysian engineer of Filipino and Sri Lankan descent and an Australian-born teacher, Perkins exhibited entrepreneurial flair early on. At just 14, she launched her first venture, selling handmade scarves at local markets.

While studying communications, psychology, and commerce at the University of Western Australia, Perkins noticed her peers struggling with complex design software. This observation sparked the idea for a user-friendly, online design platform. At 19, she dropped out of college to pursue this vision, leading to the creation of Fusion Books, an online tool enabling students to design their own yearbooks.

The success of Fusion Books laid the foundation for Canva, co-founded with Cliff Obrecht and Cameron Adams in 2013. Despite facing over 100 investor rejections, Perkins’s determination never wavered. Today, Canva stands as a testament to her vision, boasting over 130 million monthly users worldwide and Perkins has safely secured her spot as one of the most inspiring women in business.

Her company has surpassed 3 billion in revenue making Canva the most valuable unicorn founded by a women. She achieved this milestone despite never having a technical background and 100s of investor rejection.

Career Highlights

Key Milestones:

2007: Launched Fusion Books, simplifying yearbook design for students.
2013: Co-founded Canva, revolutionizing graphic design accessibility.
2021: Joined the Giving Pledge, committing to donate a significant portion of her wealth to philanthropic causes.

Achievements:

Recognized among the world’s most powerful women, ranking 89th in Forbes’ 2023 list.
Under her leadership, Canva achieved a valuation of $40 billion in 2021.
Expanded Canva’s reach to over 190 countries, democratizing design globally.

Melanie Perkins’s Net Worth

Melanie Perkins’s wealth primarily stems from her 18% stake in Canva. The company’s innovative approach and widespread adoption have significantly boosted its valuation, contributing to its substantial net worth. Committed to philanthropy, Perkins has pledged to donate a majority of her wealth to charitable endeavors.

Melanie Perkins in the News

September 2023: Featured in Forbes’ list of the World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, highlighting her influence in the tech industry.
January 2021: Married co-founder Cliff Obrecht on Rottnest Island, Western Australia.
April 2025: Her company has surpassed 3 billion in revenue making Canva the most valuable unicorn founded by a women.

Quotes by Melanie Perkins

“If the whole thing was about building wealth, that would be the most uninspiring thing I could possibly imagine.”
“We anticipated everyone would one day be using Canva, but it’s amazing to see it happen in reality.”

FAQs: Most Asked Questions About Melanie Perkins

What is Melanie Perkins’s net worth?

As of February 2025, Melanie Perkins’s net worth is estimated at $5.8 billion.

Why did Melanie Perkins drop out of college?

She left the University of Western Australia at 19 to focus on developing Fusion Books, aiming to simplify the design process for students.

What were Melanie Perkins’s obstacles at school?

While specific challenges during her schooling aren’t widely documented, Perkins identified the complexity of design software as a significant barrier, leading her to create more accessible solutions.

What are Melanie Perkins’s key achievements?

Co-founding Canva, leading it to a valuation of $40 billion, and being recognized among the world’s most powerful women are among her notable accomplishments.