From Australia, with Love

Canva is the most successful startup to emerge from Australia.

Down under, the economy primarily relies on mining, agriculture, tourism, and education. Not exactly the ideal foundation for a high-tech growth story.

So, when Melanie Perkins had the idea for an easy-to-use graphic design tool at the age of just 19, she knew that it would take some time to realize her vision.

Instead of rushing headlong at the idea, Perkins instead took a pragmatic first step.

She built her first company, Fusion Books, to demonstrate a minimum viable first version of her thesis.

Her company used software to make the production of school yearbooks easier, faster, and less expensive. The intuitive graphic design tools allowed teachers, students, and volunteers (read: not graphic designers) to produce a visually appealing final product.

By proving the demand for this capability, she was then confident enough to pursue Canva’s enormous market opportunity.

In 2021, Canva raised $200 million at a $40 billion valuation. Remember, big things usually start with a pragmatic, bold first step.

Learn more about Melanie’s path in this video.

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