This is how Melanie Perkins turned Canva into a USD$26 million startup

Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva, had a vision to democratize design and make it accessible to all. Despite facing rejection from 100 venture capitalists, she persisted and Canva is now valued at $26 billion. Canva allows millions of users worldwide to create designs easily, from social media graphics to professional presentations.

Perkins conceived the idea for Canva in 2007 while teaching graphic design in Australia. Frustrated with complex and expensive design software, she wanted to create a user-friendly online platform. To test her idea, she started Fusion Books, a successful yearbook design business, with co-founder Cliff Obrecht.

Despite initial funding challenges, Perkins met venture capitalist Bill Tai, who invited her to pitch her idea in San Francisco. Perkins overcame her fears and impressed Tai, leading to investments in Canva.

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Canva now has over 2,000 employees and is expanding into new markets like China, Dubai, and the Philippines. Perkins’ determination to empower everyone in the design process has contributed to Canva’s success.

The platform is competing with major design industry players, like Microsoft and Google. Canva is incorporating artificial intelligence tools to automate tasks, providing more time for creativity.

Venture capital funding lacks inclusivity, with 80% going to white men. However, equity crowdfunding platforms like StartEngine and Wefunder offer more inclusive funding options for startups, allowing them to raise funds from their communities.

Should venture capitalists bet on startups like Canva?

• Venture capital firms should consider betting on startups like Canva due to their success and significant market growth. The current value of Canva, amounting to $26 billion, demonstrates its potential and the ability to generate substantial returns for investors.
• Canva has proven to be a disruptor in the design field and has attracted millions of users worldwide.
• The vision and leadership of successful entrepreneurs, such as Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva, are key factors to consider when investing in startups. The founders’ ability to overcome challenges, persevere in their vision, and attract strategic investments can indicate a greater potential for long-term success for both the startup and the involved investors.

What does Canva’s bet represent for startups?

• It provides startups with the opportunity to create high-quality visual materials to promote their products or services without the need to invest in expensive software or hire professional designers.
• Canva also represents an inclusive alternative for startups in terms of financing, as it allows them to save costs on graphic design and allocate those resources to other critical areas of their business.
• The ability of Canva to attract significant investments demonstrates the growth potential and viability of startups in the technology space.

For more detailed information, visit: Yahoo! Finance