Canva: From Frustration to a $25 Billion Design Powerhouse

By Jenny Holly Hansen | WBN News | May 15, 2025

In 2007, Melanie Perkins was a university student in Perth, Australia, teaching design software to fellow students—and noticing a recurring theme: everyone was frustrated. Programs like Adobe Photoshop and InDesign were powerful, but overwhelming for the average user. Even simple tasks like placing text or aligning images took hours to learn.

Perkins realized something crucial: in a world increasingly reliant on visual content, people needed simpler tools—not more complex ones.

That realization became the spark behind what would eventually become Canva, one of the fastest-growing design platforms in the world.

From Yearbooks to Unicorn Status

The first version wasn’t Canva. It was a startup called Fusion Books—an online platform that allowed students and schools to design and print their own yearbooks. The tool was intuitive and easy to use, and word spread fast. Fusion Books grew steadily across Australia and internationally.

But Melanie and her co-founder, Cliff Obrecht, saw something bigger.

Why stop at yearbooks, when every industry, every business, every social media user was struggling with design?

After years of pitching and refining their vision, they secured funding, partnered with tech co-founder Cameron Adams (formerly of Google), and launched Canva in 2013.

The mission was clear: empower the world to design—by making professional-quality tools accessible to anyone, anywhere.

What Makes Canva Different?

Where other design software is technical and layered with complexity, Canva made everything drag-and-drop simple. With thousands of templates, collaborative tools, and a growing suite of features—including video editing, social media scheduling, AI tools, and brand kits—Canva became a one-stop platform for designers and non-designers alike.

You no longer had to be a professional creative to make a polished pitch deck, a marketing flyer, or an Instagram reel. Canva lowered the barrier to visual communication—a superpower in today’s content-driven economy.

A Business Rooted in Empowerment

What’s truly inspiring about Canva is not just its tech—it’s the philosophy behind it.

From day one, the platform was built around accessibility, collaboration, and creativity without intimidation. The company has remained committed to a mission-driven culture, emphasizing sustainability, education, and giving back (Canva gives free Pro accounts to nonprofits and educators globally).

Today, Canva is used by over 135 million people per month, from small business owners and students to major brands like Zoom, FedEx, and PayPal. It’s valued at more than $25 billion—and still privately held by its founders.

The Lesson: Simplicity is Power

Canva’s journey is a masterclass in innovation through simplification. Melanie Perkins didn’t invent a new technology—she removed the friction from one that already existed. That’s the key takeaway for any entrepreneur:

When people feel overwhelmed by tools, services, or systems—there’s opportunity.

If you can take what’s complex and make it clear, accessible, and intuitive, you’re not just building a product—you’re unlocking potential.

And as Canva proves, the results can be transformative.

Final Thought:
In a world where design is no longer optional but essential, Canva turned frustration into freedom—and built one of the most inspiring startup stories of the modern era.

Let’s Keep Talking:

Jenny is a business insurance broker with Waypoint Insurance. With 19 years experience, she will well versed in the technical aspects of business coverages.

She can be reached at 604-317-6755 or jholly-hansen@wbnn.news. Connect with Jenny on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-holly-hansen-365b691b/.  Connect with Jenny at BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/jennyhollyhansen.bsky.social

Let’s Meet Up:

Jenny Holly Hansen is a cohost with Chris Sturges of the Langley Impact Networking Group. You are welcome to join us on Thursday’s from 4pm to 6pm at: Sidebar Bar and Grill: 100b - 20018 83A Avenue, Langley, BC V2Y 3R4

TAGS:  #Jenny Holly Hansen #Canva #From Broke to Billons #Melanie Perkins #Cliff Obrecht