From the very start, Cliff Obrecht understood that building Canva would require more than just a great idea—it would take relentless perseverance. As Co-Founder and COO of the company, he and Melanie Perkins faced over a hundred investor rejections, but that didn’t deter them from their vision of making design accessible to everyone. Instead of giving up, they meticulously refined their pitch, secured funding, and scaled Canva into a global platform with millions of users. Along the way, Obrecht prioritized long-term growth over short-term wins, even pausing feature development to restructure the platform when technical debt threatened its future. His leadership extends beyond business, as he and Perkins pledged to donate 99% of their equity to philanthropic causes, reinforcing their belief that success should be measured by impact, not just revenue.
Born and raised in Australia, Obrecht earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Western Australia. While his early career was marked by entrepreneurial ventures, his most notable endeavor began when he and Perkins launched Fusion Books, a school yearbook business that would later evolve into Canva. In his role as COO, he oversees Canva’s operations, ensuring that the company continues to grow while maintaining its commitment to simplicity and accessibility. With over 130 million monthly users and clients ranging from small businesses to corporate giants like Zoom, his leadership has helped Canva become a dominant force in the design industry.
Despite Canva’s meteoric rise, Obrecht remains grounded in his leadership approach. He values transparency, ensuring that teams align on goals, and has continuously refined his management style to bring out the best in people. He views business as a long-term endeavor, believing that persistence, integrity, and how one treats others define success more than immediate gains. His ability to navigate challenges while staying true to his principles has not only propelled Canva forward but also solidified his reputation as a leader who prioritizes purpose over profit.