Cameron Adams is one of the 50 richest Australians in the world, thanks to being one of the co-founders of Canva, a website focused on graphic design software and development. Valued at billions of dollars, Adams and his partners launched the company in 2012, and since then, it’s been a story of continuous success.
Adams attended university and focused on two degrees that aligned with his lifelong interest in technological design. After gaining work experience at Google, the tech giant, the Australian entrepreneur took a risk by leaving that behind for Canva — a move that turned out to be both bold and fruitful. Today, the design software is valued at around $30 billion.
Law, Science, and Entrepreneurship
After finishing high school, Adams entered university life. Unsure of the exact path he would take but committed to design as a way of life, he studied Law and Science at the University of Melbourne. After completing his university years, Cameron charted his own course by launching a design agency that merged creativity with technology.
This milestone in his career — founding his own design firm — earned him recognition in the market, especially after working with notable clients in the industry. Subsequently, he sold the company and was contacted by Google. Adams joined the tech giant to work on the “Wave” project, which ultimately helped pave the way for Google Maps.
Who would leave Google to pursue a new design venture?
It took courage and a desire for innovation, but Cameron did just that. He joined the Canva founding team, becoming the third key figure behind the creation of the now-global design and technology company. His time at Google gave him a deep understanding of how a world-class tech company operates — from design insights to learning the mechanics of the industry.
These experiences secured him a solid role at Canva, where he currently serves as Chief Product Officer. Since joining in 2011, Adams has been a crucial part of the company’s technical and strategic teams. Innovation has always been a keyword tied to Adams’ entrepreneurial life — a principle that underpins his journey with Canva.
He has emphasized that work at Canva “can’t rely on a single person” and that “you need a team where each member can trust one another when new ideas emerge.” He’s also referred to the company’s unique “DNA”, a concept that has resonated within Canva since its early days.
What about Artificial Intelligence?
In recent interviews, Adams has openly discussed AI, a sector that’s impossible to ignore in today’s world of design and technology. As one of Canva’s founders, he stressed that AI is a necessary complement to the company. Since March 2025, Canva has been integrating features that can turn text into images, among other smart capabilities.
With over 130 million users exploring Canva, the company’s leadership is fully aware of the scale and impact that AI has on the design industry. Since Adams joined, the platform has grown from one million to over 20 million users — a number that has continued to soar in recent years.
The introduction of AI tools has enabled Canva’s 3,500+ employees to complete design work in much shorter timeframes. These technologies have dramatically improved productivity across the company.
Current Status
According to Forbes, as of 2025, Cameron Adams ranks #1265 among the world’s richest people, and is in the top 20 wealthiest Australians. At age 45, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Science, he continues to focus on technology and design. With brief but valuable experience at Google and his ongoing role as co-founder of Canva, Adams remains at the forefront of innovation. The integration of AI has only accelerated the company’s processes and global success.