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Billionaire Profile
Mike Cannon-Brookes
Global Rank
#540

Image: Atlassian | CC0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Mike Cannon-Brookes

CEO, Software
AUSTRALIA
Real-Time Net Worth
$7.184B
Estimated based on Software stock value as of April 21, 2026
+2.96% (24h)
Age
46
Source
Software
Industry
Technology
Citizenship
AUSTRALIA

Biography

Mike Cannon-Brookes is an Australian businessman, co-founder, and CEO of Atlassian, a global software company. Born in 1979, he has a current net worth of $7.3 billion, with software as his primary source of wealth. His career began with the founding of Atlassian in 2002 alongside Scott Farquhar, after they met at the University of New South Wales. Beyond Atlassian, Cannon-Brookes is involved in various ventures, including investments in renewable energy and real estate. He is recognized for his significant contributions to technology and environmental initiatives, making him a prominent figure in both the business and philanthropic worlds.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/21/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Michael Cannon-Brookes was born on November 17, 1979, in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.. His family moved to Taiwan when he was six months old and to Hong Kong when he was three. He later attended Cranbrook School in Sydney and graduated from the University of New South Wales with a bachelor's degree in information systems.

Rise to Success

Cannon-Brookes co-founded Atlassian in 2002 with Scott Farquhar. The company was bootstrapped with a $10,000 credit card debt. Atlassian's initial product, Jira, was an issue-tracking tool. The company developed other tools, including Confluence, which helped with team collaboration. Atlassian went public in 2015.

Key Business Strategies

Atlassian's success has been driven by a focus on user-friendly software, a product-led growth strategy, and a commitment to an inclusive workplace. The company's culture encourages authenticity and innovation, which has helped to attract and retain talent. Atlassian has expanded its product line to include tools for software development, project management, and IT help desk solutions.

Philanthropy

Cannon-Brookes and his wife, Annie, pledged to donate $1.5 billion by 2030 to projects that address the climate crisis. He has also invested in renewable energy projects through his investment firm Grok Ventures.

Career Milestones

2000

Sold The Bookmark Box

Co-founded an internet bookmark management tool called The Bookmark Box which was sold to Blink.com

2002

Co-founded Atlassian

Co-founded Atlassian with Scott Farquhar

2004

Launched Confluence

Launched team collaboration platform Confluence.

2006

Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognized as the Australian Entrepreneur of the Year

2015

Atlassian IPO

Atlassian made its initial public offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ stock exchange, under the symbol TEAM.

2019

Criticized Australia's Prime Minister over Climate Change

Expressed frustration that Australia's prime minister, Scott Morrison, did not attend the UN Climate Action Summit

2020

Stake in NBA Team Utah Jazz

Bought a minority stake in NBA team Utah Jazz

2023

Separated from wife

Separated from Annie, his wife of 13 years.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Climate Change Initiatives

$1.5B

Pledged to donate $1.5 billion by 2030 to projects that address the climate crisis.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"If you watch your [stock price] every day, it's like going to the casino. If you play roulette, your money is going to go up heaps and down heaps. What's the point of that? Let's focus on what the company is like in five years."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Long-Term Vision

Prioritizes the long-term success of the company over short-term fluctuations, focusing on what the company will be like in the future.

Environmental Stewardship

Actively promotes sustainability and renewable energy, advocating for policies and investments to combat climate change.

Authenticity and Inclusion

Fosters an inclusive workplace where employees can bring their authentic selves to work, which has been critical to Atlassian's success.

Controversies & Challenges

2019

Criticism of Australian Government's Climate Stance

Criticized the Australian Prime Minister's absence from the United Nations Climate Action Summit and lack of a clear plan on climate change.

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