From fledgling Aussie start-up to 60 million monthly users — Canva goes from strength to strength

Growing up, Zach Kitschke always had an interest in media and communications, and, after a one-day contract with then-fledgling start-up Canva, he’s now leading the graphic design giant’s marketing strategy.

After graduating from high school in Wollongong in 2009 he undertook an internship with the ABC before landing a position with Wollongong City Council where he spent time working with the media team.

Then, at the age of 22, he began exploring the world of tech start-ups.

Mr Kitschke’s interest in start-ups led him to Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht, the co-founders of graphic design platform Canva.

“I ended up coming in for a day in 2013 and Mel and Cliff weren’t really looking for anyone at that point, but I was out of work and really interested in landing a job at a start-up like Canva,” he said.

“I went home and, realising I hadn’t done the best job at selling myself … I wrote them a big, long email that night of all the things I thought I could come in and help with.”

They took a chance on Mr Kitschke, offering him a one-day-a-week casual contract with the company.

Soon enough he was brought on as a full-time employee.

Little did he know, he was now working for what would later become one of Australia’s most valuable companies.

Start-up success

Last week it was revealed Canva is now valued at $55 billion, making it more valuable than telco giant Telstra and the Woolworths Group.

Since starting in 2013, the company has amassed 60 million monthly users and now has more than 2,000 employees worldwide.

Mr Kitschke has been instrumental in the company’s success through his role as the chief marketing officer.

“These days I’m leading our marketing efforts globally,” he said.

Sharing the love

Despite Canva’s success, the billion-dollar company remains focused on giving back to the community.

“We talk about this two-step plan at Canva,” Mr Kitschke said.

Step two was demonstrated when Ms Perkins and Mr Obrecht announced last week they would be donating 30 per cent of the company’s earnings to charities, particularly those working to end poverty.

The company also provides its services to more than 10 million not-for-profit organisations, teachers and students around the world free of charge.

“For people at Canva, a big part of the motivation is actually contributing towards step two,” Mr Kitschke said.

“That’s always been a key part of the culture and story.”