Scott Farquhar Then and Now

Scott Farquhar Then

Scott Farquhar, born in December 1979 in Sydney, Australia, has emerged as a notable figure in the tech industry, primarily recognized as the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, a software company known for products like Jira and Confluence. 

His educational journey began at Castle Hill Primary School and continued at James Ruse Agricultural High School, renowned for its academic excellence in New South Wales. 

Following his high school years, Farquhar pursued higher education at the University of New South Wales, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BIT). 

This solid foundation in computer science and technology equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.

From a young age, Farquhar exhibited a keen interest in computers. His fascination with technology was nurtured by his father, who purchased an old computer for him to explore and play games. 

However, the computer presented its own set of challenges, as it was unable to run Microsoft DOS. 

Undeterred by this setback, Farquhar dedicated a year to troubleshooting and understanding the intricacies of the machine. 

This early experience not only honed his problem-solving skills but also ignited his passion for technology and innovation. 

Farquhar’s determination to overcome technical obstacles laid the groundwork for his future success, ultimately leading him to co-found Atlassian with Mike Cannon-Brookes in 2002. 

Today, Farquhar’s journey from a young boy tinkering with a computer to a leading tech entrepreneur serves as an inspiration to many aspiring innovators in the tech world.

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Scott Farquhar Business Career

In 2001, Mike Cannon-Brookes reached out to his classmates at the University of New South Wales, seeking partners to help him launch a tech startup after graduation. 

This outreach marked the beginning of a significant journey in the tech world, as Scott Farquhar was the only person to respond to Cannon-Brookes’ email. 

Their shared vision led to the founding of Atlassian in 2002, a company that would eventually become a major player in software development. 

In the early days, they bootstrapped Atlassian with limited resources, relying on a $10,000 credit card debt to finance their operations. 

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This approach exemplified their commitment to building a sustainable business without external funding in the initial stages.

Atlassian’s first major product, Jira, revolutionized project and issue tracking for teams across various industries. 

Rather than investing in a traditional sales team, Farquhar and Cannon-Brookes focused on developing a high-quality product and offered it at a competitive price through the Atlassian website. 

This innovative approach resonated with customers and enabled the company to grow rapidly. 

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As of 2016, Atlassian continued to prioritize research and development over conventional sales tactics, which played a crucial role in its long-term success.

In 2005, recognizing the need to expand their reach, Atlassian opened an office in New York, strategically positioned to serve their growing client base. 

However, they later relocated their U.S. office to San Francisco to tap into a larger pool of technical talent and innovation. 

Their efforts did not go unnoticed; in 2006, both Farquhar and Cannon-Brookes were honored with Ernst & Young’s Australian Entrepreneur of the Year award, acknowledging their remarkable achievements in the tech industry.

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The company’s trajectory took a significant turn in 2010 when Atlassian secured its first external funding, a substantial $60 million round led by Accel. 

This funding allowed the company to accelerate its growth and development. 

In 2014, they redomiciled the company to the UK in preparation for an initial public offering (IPO), which occurred on December 10, 2015, on the NASDAQ stock exchange. 

The IPO valued Atlassian at $4.37 billion, making Farquhar and Cannon-Brookes Australia’s first tech startup billionaires and establishing them as household names in their home country.

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In 2022, the company was redomiciled to the United States, further solidifying its presence in the global tech landscape. O

n April 26, 2024, Scott Farquhar announced his decision to resign as joint CEO of Atlassian at the end of August, shifting his focus towards family, philanthropy, and enhancing the global technology industry. 

Despite stepping down from his leadership role, he will remain on the board and serve as a special adviser, ensuring his continued influence in the company and the tech community.

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Scott Farquhar’s Wife and Children

Scott Farquhar is married to Kim Jackson, and together they have three sons. 

Balancing a demanding career as a co-CEO of Atlassian with family life, Farquhar values the importance of nurturing a supportive and loving environment for his children. 

His commitment to family is evident in his decision to step back from his role as joint CEO, allowing him to dedicate more time to his wife and children. 

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This emphasis on family not only reflects his personal values but also highlights the importance he places on work-life balance, a principle that resonates with many professionals in today’s fast-paced corporate world. 

Farquhar’s approach to parenting, alongside his successful career, showcases how he prioritizes both personal fulfillment and professional achievement, serving as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and parents alike.

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Scott Farquhar Now

At 44 years old, Scott Farquhar has established himself as a prominent figure in the tech industry as the co-founder and former co-chief executive officer of Atlassian, a leading software company known for its innovative products like Jira and Confluence. 

Over the years, Farquhar has played a crucial role in shaping Atlassian’s vision and strategy, helping to transform it from a startup into a globally recognized brand. 

His leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have not only contributed to the company’s success but have also made him a respected voice in the technology sector.

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In a significant career move, Farquhar announced his decision to resign as joint CEO of Atlassian at the end of August, a choice driven by his desire to devote more time to his family, engage in philanthropic activities, and continue to support the advancement of the global technology industry.

This decision underscores the importance he places on work-life balance and personal fulfillment, reflecting a growing trend among executives to prioritize family and community engagement alongside their professional responsibilities. 

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Although stepping down from his leadership role, Farquhar remains actively involved with Atlassian as a member of the board and as a special adviser, ensuring that his expertise and vision continue to influence the company’s future direction. 

His commitment to both his family and his professional endeavors highlights his multifaceted approach to life, serving as an inspiration for many in the tech community.

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Scott Farquhar’s Net Worth

Scott Farquhar is an Australian billionaire with a net worth of $10.9 billion, a testament to his remarkable success as the co-founder of Atlassian and his significant contributions to the technology sector. 

This substantial wealth not only reflects his entrepreneurial achievements but also positions him as a key player in the global business landscape, allowing him to influence both the tech industry and philanthropic initiatives.

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