The inspiration to create a tool that can simplify graphic design was born in the hearts and minds of Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht way back in 2007. However, the actual Canva platform that we know today did not start until 2012. Let’s embark on a journey to trace the inception and evolution of Canva.
Origins of Canva
Melanie Perkins, a student at the University of Western Australia, was teaching design programs when she observed that students found these programs complex and difficult to learn. Together with Cliff Obrecht, they developed Fusion Books, an online tool that simplified the process of designing and creating school yearbooks. The success of Fusion Books led them to dream bigger – creating a simple online tool that could allow anyone to create any type of design.
From Idea to Reality
The idea for Canva was born, but it took another three years before the platform launched. Perkins and Obrecht moved to Silicon Valley in 2010 to seek venture capital for their idea. However, it was not until 2012 that they received their first investment.
Launch of Canva
After raising their first investment round and teaming up with Google’s former lead designer Cameron Adams, Canva was officially launched in August 2013. The concept was simple: to make design accessible to everyone. And it was a hit. Within its first year of launch, Canva garnered over 750,000 users.
Canva Today
Fast forward to today, Canva is a major player in the design world, with a valuation of $15 billion as of 2020. The platform boasts over 30 million monthly active users from 190 countries, truly making design accessible to everyone.
Indeed, the journey of Canva from a humble idea to a billion-dollar company is a testament to the power of a great idea, tenacity, and the courage to dream big.
