Slow moving behemoth with many underlying issues - Software Engineer Canva Employee Review

1.0
1 Aug 2022
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lunch is really good. Lots of networking and connections. Still growing without much redundancies. This can be a secure job at higher levels. Pay is good but not the best in the market.

Cons

Very slow SDLC process that almost seems like waterfall. Unclear growth path after a certain terminal level. Not very egalitarian. Seems more ethnocratic especially at higher levels. Lots of rest and vesters. Looks to be in that stage of adding more process to tame the chaos. Stock options have been devalued by some investors however the company is yet to recognise such devaluation in their refresher grants.

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”.

6
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