Canva Valued at $42 Billion Ahead of Possible IPO, Fidelity Leads Employee Share Sale Program.

Canva, an online design and publishing tool, has launched a share sale program valuing the company at $42 billion ahead of a potential IPO. The program, led by Fidelity Management, is focused on employees and includes new investor JP Morgan Asset Management. Canva has 240 million monthly active users and $3 billion in annualized revenue, making it Australia's most valuable VC-backed company. An IPO has been widely anticipated, with reports suggesting it could happen in 2025.

Canva Inc., the Australian design software startup, has initiated an employee stock sale, valuing the company at $42 billion. This significant leap in valuation marks a substantial increase from the $32 billion valuation reported in 2024. The stock sale, led by Fidelity Management, includes participation from new investor JPMorgan Asset Management. The move comes as Canva aims to boost revenue growth and prepare for a potential initial public offering (IPO).

The employee stock sale allows Canva employees to sell shares to new and existing investors. This strategic move aims to reward and retain staff while also attracting external investors. With over 240 million monthly active users and annualized revenue of $3.3 billion, Canva is seen as a prime candidate for a 2025 IPO [1].

Canva has been investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance its design software. The company launched new AI-powered products in April, including a conversation-based AI photo editor, to attract corporate customers away from rival Adobe Inc. [1]. This focus on AI tools and its large user base make Canva an attractive investment opportunity.

The stock sale has been significantly oversubscribed, indicating strong investor demand. Canva Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Cliff Obrecht stated, "This round has been significantly oversubscribed. The overwhelming demand from both new and existing investors is a huge vote of confidence in our momentum and the scale of what still lies ahead" [1].

Launched in 2013, Canva gained an early following for its ease of use in creating various types of digital content. The company's presets, templates, and generative AI tools have made it a popular choice for users worldwide [1]. With its strong user base and focus on AI, Canva is poised to continue its growth trajectory.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-20/canva-begins-share-sale-at-42-billion-valuation-in-road-to-ipo