Early Life and Education
Cameron Adams was born in Australia in 1979. He earned a combined Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne. While at university, he developed a strong interest in web development and creative software, interests that would shape his career.
Career Beginnings
After graduating, Adams worked as a freelance designer, creating interactive web experiences. In 2007, he joined Google and worked on Google Wave, a project that influenced his understanding of digital product design and real-time collaboration. After leaving Google, Adams founded Fluent.io, a startup focused on reinventing email.
Rise to Success
In 2012, Adams became a co-founder of Canva. He joined Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, taking on the role of Chief Product Officer. Canva launched publicly in 2013, quickly gaining millions of users. Adams played a crucial role in product development, leading the company to a peak valuation of $40 billion.
Key Business Strategies
Adams's business philosophy emphasizes making design accessible to everyone. He advocates for user-friendly design and believes in the power of AI to support human creativity. Adams is spearheading Canva's integration of AI-assisted design tools.
Philanthropy
In May 2025, Adams and his wife, Lisa Miller, announced their intention to donate more than half of their fortune to environmental and climate-focused causes. They formalized this commitment through The Giving Pledge.
