Glitters but not gold - Software Engineer Canva Employee Review

2.0
4 Aug 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

- free food n drinks - mostly nice people - pays well

Cons

- some very racist and egocentric people in leadership team and on floors. - technical decision making is abrupt and chasing low hanging fruits, reflects lethargy being instilled due casual start up culture. There is massive technical debt that they are avoiding, seems the right culture fit aspect is working against the company.

Explore other reviews about Canva

5.0
24 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

⁠The work culture is amazing and highly collaborative. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new technologies, and the perks/benefits are excellent.⁠The work culture is amazing and highly collaborative. There are plenty of opportunities to learn new technologies, and the perks/benefits are excellent.⁠

Cons

The company is growing very fast, so internal processes and structure change frequently. Work-life balance can be tricky during big product launches.⁠

3.0
28 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Product is beloved by users. Brand affinity is second to none which makes being a marketer a lot of fun. Genuinely good and caring coworkers who want to build something great. Hiring bar is high. Vibe and Thrive benefit is clever and unique.

Cons

Behind the brand is a cult like culture with the “founders” surrounded by yes people (whether they are aware of it or not). Mediocrity seems to be tolerated among management’s “old guard” causing tension and churn with newer and sometimes more experienced leaders. Insecure leaders at some of the highest levels perpetuate much of the toxic behaviors described in the reviews below such as gaslighting and favoritism. People “disappear” with little to no explanation, but hey, it’s the “Canva way”.

5
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