Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#605

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Cliff Obrecht

CEO, Canva

Real-Time Net Worth

$7.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Software

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Cliff Obrecht is an Australian billionaire and technology entrepreneur, best known as the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Canva. Born in Western Australia, Obrecht earned a degree from the University of Western Australia and co-founded Canva with Melanie Perkins and Cameron Adams in 2013. As COO, he has played a pivotal role in the company's growth, overseeing operations and contributing to Canva's mission to empower everyone to design. His leadership has been instrumental in Canva's meteoric rise, attracting 220 million monthly active users and making it a global phenomenon in the design industry. Obrecht's estimated net worth is $7.6 billion, and he holds an estimated 18% stake in Canva.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Canva

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Cliff Obrecht was born in 1985 or 1986 in Kingsley, Western Australia. His father, Stan Obrecht, was a government employee, and his mother, Mary Obrecht, was a school teacher. He graduated from the University of Western Australia with a Bachelor of Arts/Science degree.

Rise to Success

Obrecht co-founded Canva with Melanie Perkins and Cameron Adams in 2013. As the COO, he has been crucial to Canva's operations and expansion. Under his leadership, Canva has transformed into a global leader in the design industry, with over 220 million active monthly users. Canva's software enables the creation of attractive visuals for menus, resumes, and Instagram graphics. Canva’s valuation has reached $42 billion.

Key Business Strategies

Obrecht's key contributions include overseeing operations and ensuring Canva's mission to empower everyone to design. His strategic vision has driven the company's continuous innovation, leading to features like AI-powered tools and the acquisition of companies to expand Canva's offerings.

Philanthropy

Obrecht and his wife Melanie Perkins have pledged to donate more than 80% of their Canva stake to the Canva Foundation for charitable causes.

Career Milestones

2007

Co-founded Fusion Books

Co-founded Fusion Books, the largest school yearbook company in Australia.

2013

Co-founded Canva

Launched Canva, a graphic design platform.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education & Social Causes

Canva Foundation

Unknown

Pledged to donate a majority of Canva shares to the Canva Foundation.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“If the whole thing was about building wealth, that would be the most uninspiring thing I could possibly imagine.”"