【品牌故事】Canva成功之道：被拒絕100次卻換來估值400億美企元業
2007年，Canva共同創辦人Melanie Perkins當時19歲，她在大學裡教同學使用設計程序時，意識到大多數電腦編程既昂貴又複雜，於是她便構思創造一個簡單方便且虛擬的設計工具。但當她開始尋找風險資本時，挑戰接踵而來。經過超過100次的拒絕和無數次到矽谷的徒勞之旅，她和她的丈夫兼共同創辦人Cliff Obrecht花了三年多時間才得到第一筆投資。終於在2013年，Canva正式啟動。現在，Canva是最受歡迎的線上設計工具之一。她是如何從市場上賣圍巾走到如今的成功之路呢？
- 永不放棄
嘗試為Canva籌資時，Perkins遭到100多次拒絕。但她堅持了三年多，最後遇到了投資者Bill Tai，雖然他沒有投資Canva，但卻幫助Perkins擴展其商業網絡。創業家應該學會，每一次的"不"，都是為換來下一次的"是"。Perkins堅信設計應該為所有人所用，這是她繼續向前的動力。 - 傾聽客戶
真正的成功源自於傾聽潛在客戶的反饋並為他們提供解決方案。Perkins創建Canva是因為她覺得現有的設計程式太複雜。通過聆聽客戶的反饋，Canva能夠持續成長和進化。 - 在業務中實施價值觀
Perkins堅信一個企業的成功不僅是為了盈利，更重要的是要給社會帶來正面的影響。Canva在估值達到400億美元後，決定捐出3成股份給一家旨在消除貧困的慈善機構，相當於巨大的120億美金捐款。此外，為了打破科技行業中的性別差距，Canva目前的女性員工比例達41%，遠高於28%的行業平均水平。Perkins確保她的價值觀體現在Canva的使命中。 - 相信自己
Perkins堅信她可以實現自己的目標，即使在最困難的時候。作為創業家，自我確信是非常重要的，別被懷疑自己的人所動搖。
成功建立一家價值數十億的公司絕非易事，但只要學習Perkins的方法，你也有機會夢想成真。
In 2007, 19-year-old Perkins was teaching her classmates how to use design software at university and realized that most software was both expensive and complicated. Therefore, she envisioned a future of design that would be simple, virtual, and collaborative. However, when she began seeking venture capital, challenges arose. After over 100 rejections and countless futile trips to Silicon Valley, she and her husband and co-founder, Cliff Obrecht, spent more than three years before securing their first investment. Finally, in 2013, Canva was officially launched. Now, Canva is one of the most popular online design tools. How did she go from selling scarves in the market to her current success?
- Never Give Up
While trying to raise funds for Canva, Perkins faced more than 100 rejections. But she persisted for more than three years, eventually meeting investor Bill Tai. Although he didn’t invest in Canva, he helped Perkins expand her business network. Entrepreneurs should learn that every "no" is an opportunity for a future "yes." Perkins firmly believes that design should be accessible to all, which drives her forward. - Listen to Customers
True success stems from listening to potential customers' feedback and providing solutions. Perkins created Canva because she felt the existing design programs were too complex. By listening to customer feedback, Canva has been able to continuously grow and evolve. - Implement Values in Business
Perkins believes that the success of a company is not just about making a profit, but also about having a positive impact on society. After Canva was valued at 40 billion US dollars, they decided to donate 30% of their shares to a charity aimed at eliminating poverty, which amounts to a massive donation of 12 billion US dollars. Moreover, in order to address the gender gap in the tech industry, Canva currently has a female employee ratio of 41%, much higher than the industry average of 28%. Perkins ensures that her values are embodied in Canva's mission. - Believe in Yourself
Perkins is confident that she can achieve her goals, even in the toughest times. For entrepreneurs, self-belief is crucial; don't be swayed by those who doubt you.
Building a multi-billion dollar company is no easy feat, but by emulating Perkins' methods, you too have a chance at success. Dreams can come true.