Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Never heard about Canva. But checking them out they seem to focus on mobile apps and web apps to edit photos and videos. With a very specific focus on social media influencers. Don't be fooled by the cheeky templates and filters,they are going heavy on AI, with some interesting features such as inpainting and video background removal.

I guess that's either a very lucrative business or they have a ton of VC money behind them. This acquisition gives them some good editors on desktop to use as a base to deploy some of this AI tech focusing on a more pro market.




It is fairly lucrative business, $2b last year from serving the lower end of creative tools market.

They are also about to ipo so this acquisition probably gives the an additinal growth story to sell.


> It is fairly lucrative business, $2b last year from serving the lower end of creative tools market.

Started by some 30 yo Australian chick with no tech background too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep21f3ncvBk


This is a rather backhanded take. From what I understand of Melanie, she is one of the few folks I've read about that had a rather unique rags to riches story, and is quite driven. I don't begrudge her level of success.

To that end, despite her interesting story around her role in the business, Canva itself really appeals to the lowest common denominator, which probably explains why they have such gangbuster financials. It really isn't great for true creatives though, and I feel Canva is dragging the industry down, not pulling it up, in the name of profits.


Your point?


Yes, very lucrative with huge free cash flow. 60% YoY growth last year too


Canva powers the scam market. It's played a big part helping the scam market expand. Everything from "make money online" creative to flooding Etsy with poorly designed AI garbage to crypto scams. Canva and Stan are the peanut butter and jelly of scammery in 2024.


Your description could equally be describing google, Facebook, twitter or even the internet itself.


>Never heard about Canva. But checking them out they seem to focus on mobile apps and web apps to edit photos and videos. With a very specific focus on social media influencers.

Some WhatsApp group users in India use Canva to create posters for events and then post them on various WhatsApp groups.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: