Early Life and Education
Clifford Obrecht, born in 1985 or 1986 in Kingsley, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, is an accomplished Australian billionaire technology entrepreneur. He is the son of Stan Obrecht, a government employee, and Mary Obrecht, a school teacher. Cliff earned his degree from The University of Western Australia, where he laid the foundation for his future in the tech industry.
Career Highlights
In 2013, Cliff co-founded Canva alongside Melanie Perkins and Cameron Adams. As the Chief Operating Officer (COO), he has been instrumental in the platform’s growth and operations. Canva revolutionized graphic design by offering a user-friendly, freemium software that allows individuals and businesses to create visually appealing content effortlessly. Despite initial skepticism from investors due to its Sydney location, Canva has attracted over 130 million monthly users, with 6 million teams from companies like Zoom opting for premium subscriptions.
Achievements
Under Cliff’s leadership, Canva has achieved remarkable success, becoming a household name in the tech industry. The platform’s extensive library of design templates and intuitive interface has made it a preferred choice for users globally. Cliff first appeared on The Australian Financial Review Rich List in 2020 with a net worth of A$3.43 billion. By May 2023, his and Perkins’ joint net worth surged to A$13.18 billion, placing them among the nine wealthiest Australians. Forbes estimated Cliff’s net worth at US$6.5 billion in September 2022.
Personal Life
Cliff married Melanie Perkins in January 2021 on Rottnest Island, reinforcing their partnership both personally and professionally. Together, they have committed to transferring more than 80% of their stakes in Canva to the Canva Foundation for charitable initiatives, emphasizing their dedication to giving back.
Legacy and Impact
Cliff Obrecht’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire technology entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to aspiring business leaders. His vision, determination, and passion for innovation have not only reshaped the design landscape but also fostered a culture of creativity and collaboration among millions of users worldwide. Through Canva, Cliff continues to leave a lasting impact on the tech industry and beyond.
