The top Founders in IT in Australia

Australia’s information technology sector has rapidly evolved into a global powerhouse, driven by visionary founders who have pioneered groundbreaking solutions and innovative companies. These remarkable individuals are not only transforming the digital landscape within Australia but are also making significant waves internationally. This article highlights the top founders in IT across Australia, showcasing their journeys, achievements, and the profound impact they’ve made on the industry.

Scott Farquhar

Company: Atlassian

Scott Farquhar is the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, a global software company that develops products for software developers and project managers. Farquhar launched Atlassian with Mike Cannon-Brookes in 2002, starting with minimal funding and building it into a multi-billion dollar enterprise. He is recognized for his leadership in the Australian tech ecosystem and for championing a transparent, innovative work culture. Farquhar is also involved in various philanthropic initiatives and supports technology education.

Mike Cannon-Brookes

Company: Atlassian

Mike Cannon-Brookes is the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, an Australian software company known for products like Jira and Confluence. Alongside Scott Farquhar, he has grown Atlassian into one of Australia’s most successful tech companies. Cannon-Brookes is an advocate for renewable energy and sustainability, often using his platform to discuss climate change solutions. He is also an active investor and supporter of Australian startups.

Melanie Perkins

Company: Canva

Melanie Perkins is the co-founder and CEO of Canva, an online graphic design platform used by millions globally. Perkins started Canva in 2012 with the vision of making design accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level. Under her leadership, Canva has become one of Australia’s most valuable startups. She is a prominent figure in the tech industry, known for her entrepreneurial drive and commitment to diversity in the workplace.

Cliff Obrecht

Company: Canva

Cliff Obrecht is the co-founder and COO of Canva, working alongside Melanie Perkins and Cameron Adams. Obrecht has played a significant role in Canva’s growth, overseeing operations and scaling the business internationally. He is deeply involved in the company’s strategic direction and culture. Obrecht is also passionate about philanthropy, pledging a significant portion of his wealth to charitable causes.

Cameron Adams

Company: Canva

Cameron Adams is a co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Canva. With a background in design and technology, Adams was previously a lead designer at Google before joining Melanie Perkins and Cliff Obrecht to launch Canva. He has been instrumental in shaping Canva’s product vision and user experience. Adams is recognized for his expertise in blending creativity with technology to build intuitive digital products.

Bevan Slattery

Company: NextDC

Bevan Slattery is the founder of NextDC, a leading Australian data centre operator. With a strong background in telecommunications and infrastructure, Slattery has also founded several other successful tech companies such as PIPE Networks and Megaport. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit and his role in advancing Australia’s digital infrastructure. Slattery is actively involved in mentoring and investing in the Australian tech scene.

Tim Fung

Company: Airtasker

Tim Fung is the CEO and co-founder of Airtasker, an online marketplace that connects people with local service providers. Launched in 2012, Airtasker has grown rapidly under Fung’s leadership, expanding internationally and transforming the way people outsource everyday tasks. Fung has a background in digital media and startups, and is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship in Australia. He frequently shares insights on the gig economy and startup growth.

Didier Elzinga

Company: Culture Amp

Didier Elzinga is the founder and CEO of Culture Amp, a platform that helps organizations improve employee engagement and company culture. Before founding Culture Amp, Elzinga was CEO of Rising Sun Pictures, a visual effects company. He is passionate about building positive workplace environments and leveraging data to drive cultural change. Elzinga is a prominent voice in the HR tech industry and frequently speaks on leadership and organizational psychology.

Cyan Ta’eed

Company: Envato

Cyan Ta’eed is the co-founder of Envato, a global online marketplace for creative assets and tools. Alongside her husband Collis, Cyan helped build Envato from a small startup into a leading player in the creative industry. She is also an advocate for social enterprise, having founded Hey Tiger, a social enterprise chocolate company. Ta’eed is recognized for her leadership, entrepreneurial skills, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Collis Ta’eed

Company: Envato

Collis Ta’eed is the co-founder and former CEO of Envato, an online marketplace that supports millions of creatives worldwide. With Cyan Ta’eed, he grew Envato into one of Australia’s most successful digital companies. Collis is known for his innovative approach to business and for fostering a strong company culture. He has since stepped down as CEO but remains a respected leader and mentor in the startup community.

Conclusion

The influence of Australia’s top IT founders extends far beyond the nation’s borders, setting new standards for innovation, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Their achievements continue to inspire a new generation of tech leaders and fuel the growth of Australia’s vibrant technology ecosystem. As the digital world evolves, these trailblazers will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, shaping the future of IT both in Australia and around the globe.