Canva Share Sale Makes Employees Millionaires as Valuation Hits $42 Billion

Canva’s recent employee share sale, valuing the company at $42 billion, has turned some of its current and former staff into overnight millionaires. The offering, which allows employees to sell up to $3 million of vested equity at $1,646.14 per share, reflects strong investor confidence in the firm’s growth trajectory and performance. The company reported $3.3 billion in annualized revenue, driven by 27 million paid users and 240 million monthly active users [1]. Cliff Obrecht and Melanie Perkins, the Australian billionaire co-founders, have seen their combined wealth rise to nearly $20 billion, according to The Australian Financial Review. The latest funding round was led by Fidelity Management & Research Company and new investors including J.P. Morgan Asset Management [1].

The share sale is described as “significantly oversubscribed” by the company, underscoring the high demand and positive sentiment among both existing and new investors. Obrecht, who is also Canva’s COO, attributed this demand to the team’s work and the global impact of the platform. The offering also provides employees with an earlier opportunity to realize value from their equity, a departure from the typical lock-up periods seen in many tech companies [1].

Marcus Bodet of B.I.G. Capital noted that such liquidity events are becoming more common and can serve as a strategic tool for retaining and attracting top talent in the competitive AI and tech sectors. This move positions Canva as a firm that prioritizes employee ownership and financial empowerment while maintaining its high-growth trajectory [1].

Experts suggest that this tender offering is indicative of a potential IPO on the horizon. Scott Chou of ESO Fund pointed out that tenders like this are often seen just before a public listing and that Canva’s valuation already exceeds that of its competitor Figma prior to its own IPO. He added that a Canva IPO is unlikely before early to mid-2026, as companies typically avoid such liquidity events immediately before going public [1].

The company’s commitment to philanthropy is also notable, with Obrecht and Perkins pledging to donate more than 80% of their stake to the Canva Foundation. This gesture reinforces the company’s broader mission beyond profit, aligning with its growing global influence and social impact [1].

As Canva continues to expand its product offerings and international presence, the recent share sale not only rewards employees but also strengthens internal morale and loyalty. While the company remains optimistic about its future, the current valuation and growth expectations will need to be matched by consistent performance to sustain investor and employee confidence over the long term [1].

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[1] Canva's billionaire founders are minting overnight millionaires with employee share sale (https://fortune.com/2025/08/22/canva-billionaire-founders-minting-overnight-millionaires-employee-share-sale/)