Canva: Tech co-founder Melanie Perkins becomes Australia’s third richest woman

The nation’s technology wunderkinds are shaking up Australia’s rich list as a 32-year-old sensation from Sydney doubles her wealth.

Sydney’s 32-year-old technology sensation Melanie Perkins is rapidly climbing Australia’s rich list after her company Canva surged in value during the virus crisis.

Australia’s youngest billionaire founded digital graphics business Canva back in 2014 with her fiance Cliff Obrecht, which has held its relevance during the pandemic due to the huge portion professionals forced to work from home.

In its latest investor round, Canva added another $US60 million to its valuation which reportedly rocketed to a total of $US6 billion ($A8.77 billion).

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It is now believed the power couple’s stake in the business is worth about $2.5 billion, doubling Ms Perkins’ wealth and making her the third richest woman in the country.

Melanie Perkins is Australia’s youngest billionaire. Picture Rohan Kelly

Canva has surged in value this year. Picture: Britta Campion

Mining magnate Gina Rinehart still tops that list with a wealth of $16.5 billion earned from her share in Hancock Prospecting.

Internet entrepreneur and TPG Telecom co-founder Vicky Teoh’s wealth also eclipses that of Ms Perkins’.

The Canvas co-founder debuted on The Australian’s richest 250 list with a wealth of $1.32 billion, placing her at 82 on the nation’s most wealthy rankings.

But Ms Perkins is expected to soar up this list, fuelled by refreshing ambition.

“We have a simple, two-step plan,” she told The Australian earlier in the year.

Perkins is expected to rocket up the nation’s rich list. Picture: Dean Mackenzie

“One, to build one of the world’s most valuable companies and, two, to do the best we can.

“I hope with the opportunity that has been afforded to us we can use it to bring a little more equality to the world.”

Perkins co-founded the company in 2014.

Canva adapted their youthful exuberance synonymous with the tech sector to work from home restrictions through regular fitness and yoga classes online as well as other social clubs.

“We’ve also started hosting online comedy nights and music acts every Friday night, which is great for our team’s morale and the artists we’re supporting,’’ Ms Perkins told the national broadsheet.