Canva Sees Surge in Users with Free Affinity Launch

Australia’s most high-profile startup, Canva Inc., is witnessing a remarkable surge in users for its latest product suite, as the company positions itself for an upcoming public listing.

The Affinity suite, a collection of software design tools, has been downloaded approximately two million times in just two weeks after Canva made it free for users. Those with paid accounts can access advanced AI features within the app, adding an extra layer of appeal.

Cliff Obrecht, Canva’s chief operating officer and co-founder, expressed enthusiasm about the response: “We’ve been blown away with the pickup so far.”

Canva, which competes with industry giants like Adobe, is placing a strong bet on AI-powered tools to drive the next wave of revenue growth. The company was last valued at around $42 billion during a recent share sale, reflecting its rapid expansion in the design software space.

The leadership team has seen strategic additions, including Kelly Steckelberg, former CFO of Zoom Video Communications, who recently joined Canva to strengthen its financial management as it prepares for public trading.

With a blend of long-tenured senior leaders and fresh talent, Canva has positioned itself as one of the fastest-growing companies globally. Its focus on solving real design problems and delivering tangible value has been a key factor in retaining and attracting top talent.

As Canva continues to expand its offerings and enhance user experience with AI, industry observers are closely watching its next steps toward going public, signaling a new chapter in the company’s ambitious growth journey.