Canva's story [2018] (it wasn't an overnight success)
Hey mates, I just read about Canva's latest funding round (valued at 3.2B) and then read a bit more :), and then stumbled upon Melanie's shared story of how Canva was started. It's very inspiring. It all started by bootstrapping for a few/several years. Just 2 persons working from a living room.
So, if you have several minutes, you may give it read. Enjoy.
I happened to be on a group vacation with Mel and Cliff a couple years ago, before I knew they were big time. Super down-to-earth, generous people. They were always the first ones to pop up to help clean or take care of someone who was hurt. They deserve all the success in the world.
Yeah, they seem like great people. Moreover, they've build one of the top companies in Australia and are constantly being voted as #1 employer.
I built a small tech prototype for Melanie and Cliff back in 2007-ish. I think it was the first piece of software they paid to have made. It was an early test for something Canva related - they wanted to test out tracking QR codes on pieces of physical paper. Now they've built a 3.2 billion dollar company, and I'm still a freelancer making weird software for people, and indie hacking on the side. :D
Humbling and inspiring to see what they've accomplished in this time.
That's cool. You shouldn't look it like that. We all have different paths.
This only has to motivate you. Everything is possible!
Don't get me wrong - I'm very happy with how things have gone. I'm very lucky to have a comfortable life and support my family doing my favourite thing every day: writing code. :)
Thanks for sharing this. :)
Thanks for sharing that, I didn't really know their story and I actually read the whole thing! :)
Me too. I think I am in love with her. :)