Mike Cannon-Brookes Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / October 10, 2024
Mike Cannon-Brookes Then
Michael Cannon-Brookes, born on November 17, 1979, has emerged as a prominent figure in the tech industry, best known for his role as the co-founder and co-CEO of Atlassian, a leading software company specializing in collaboration and productivity tools.
Growing up as the son of a global banking executive, also named Mike, Cannon-Brookes was exposed to a world of business and finance from an early age.
His mother, Helen, played an equally significant role in shaping his values and aspirations, providing a supportive environment that fostered intellectual curiosity and ambition.
Cannon-Brookes received his education at Cranbrook School in Sydney, where he excelled academically and developed a strong foundation in problem-solving and critical thinking.
His passion for technology led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in information systems at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
As a recipient of a UNSW co-op scholarship, he gained valuable hands-on experience while studying, which allowed him to apply his academic knowledge in real-world settings.
This blend of education and practical experience not only prepared him for the challenges of the tech industry but also inspired him to co-found Atlassian in 2002 with his university colleague Scott Farquhar.
Under Cannon-Brookes’ leadership, Atlassian has grown exponentially, becoming a powerhouse in the software market with products like Jira, Confluence, and Trello.
His innovative vision and commitment to fostering a collaborative workplace culture have significantly contributed to the company’s success.
In addition to his professional achievements, Cannon-Brookes is also known for his advocacy on environmental sustainability and climate action, reflecting his dedication to making a positive impact beyond the business world.
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Mike Cannon-Brookes Business Career
Before the founding of Atlassian, Michael Cannon-Brookes made his first foray into the tech world by co-founding an internet bookmark management tool called The Bookmark Box alongside his university classmate Niki Scevak.
Launched while they were still students, The Bookmark Box aimed to simplify the way users managed their online bookmarks.
In 2000, the innovative tool attracted the attention of Blink.com, which acquired it, providing Cannon-Brookes with valuable experience in building a tech startup and an early insight into the dynamics of the software industry.
In 2002, shortly after graduating from the University of New South Wales, Cannon-Brookes co-founded Atlassian with Scott Farquhar, with the goal of creating a company that would allow them to enjoy the benefits of entrepreneurship without the constraints of working for someone else.
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To fund their startup, they relied on personal credit cards, showcasing their commitment and willingness to take risks.
The duo aimed to earn a graduate starting salary of A$48,000—a modest goal at the time—while pursuing their passion for technology.
Their first major product, Jira, emerged as a groundbreaking issue- and project-tracking software, quickly gaining traction in the market.
Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar chose to forgo the traditional model of hiring a sales team, instead focusing on developing a high-quality product that they sold directly through the Atlassian website at an affordable price.
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This innovative approach allowed them to allocate resources to research and development rather than sales, a strategy that proved successful as the company grew.
By 2005, Atlassian expanded its operations to the United States, first opening an office in New York, where many of its clients were located.
Later that year, they relocated to San Francisco, capitalizing on the city’s rich talent pool in technology and innovation.
This strategic move helped Atlassian to establish itself in the competitive U.S. market and foster relationships with key industry players.
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In 2010, the company secured its first external funding, raising US$60 million from Accel Partners, a significant milestone that provided the capital necessary for further growth and development.
By 2014, Atlassian redomiciled to the UK in preparation for an initial public offering (IPO), a move that marked a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory.
Atlassian made its debut on the Nasdaq stock exchange in December 2015, with a remarkable market capitalization of $4.37 billion at the time.
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This successful IPO not only solidified the company’s status as a leader in the software industry but also made Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar the first tech startup billionaires in Australia, earning them recognition as household names in their home country.
In 2022, Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar decided to redomicile Atlassian to the United States, a move that reflected the company’s growth and aspirations on a global scale.
Following Farquhar’s decision to step down as co-CEO in September 2024, Cannon-Brookes assumed the role of sole CEO, signaling a new chapter for Atlassian as it continues to innovate and expand in the competitive tech landscape.
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Mike Cannon-Brookes Wife and Children
Michael Cannon-Brookes married American fashion designer Annie Todd in 2010, marking the beginning of a strong partnership that has flourished alongside their professional successes.
The couple’s initial meeting took place serendipitously at a Qantas lounge while both were traveling from Sydney to San Francisco, a chance encounter that would lead to a lasting relationship.
Since then, they have built a family together, welcoming four children into their lives.
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Residing in Centennial Park, a vibrant area in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Cannon-Brookes and Todd enjoy a lifestyle that balances their demanding careers with family life.
Their home environment reflects both their personal values and professional commitments, emphasizing the importance of family while also supporting Cannon-Brookes’ entrepreneurial pursuits.
As a couple, they have navigated the challenges of balancing high-profile careers with parenting, exemplifying a modern partnership grounded in shared goals and mutual support.
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Mike Cannon-Brookes Now
As of now, Mike Cannon-Brookes is 44 years old and stands out as a prominent figure in the Australian tech landscape.
He is best known as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Atlassian, a software company that has become a global leader in collaboration and productivity tools.
Founded in 2002 alongside Scott Farquhar, Atlassian has transformed the way teams manage projects and communicate, with popular products like Jira and Confluence becoming essential tools for organizations worldwide.
Cannon-Brookes’ entrepreneurial spirit and innovative vision have driven Atlassian’s impressive growth, propelling the company to a valuation that reached billions of dollars following its IPO in 2015.
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Under his leadership, Atlassian has focused on developing high-quality products while fostering a unique company culture that prioritizes collaboration and creativity over traditional sales tactics.
This approach has not only attracted a loyal customer base but also positioned Atlassian as a key player in the competitive tech industry.
In addition to his business acumen, Cannon-Brookes is known for his commitment to sustainability and climate action.
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He has actively engaged in initiatives aimed at promoting renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions, reflecting his belief that businesses can play a pivotal role in addressing global challenges.
His influence extends beyond Atlassian, as he advocates for responsible corporate practices and seeks to inspire other entrepreneurs to consider the environmental impact of their ventures.
As a leading voice in both technology and sustainability, Cannon-Brookes continues to shape the future of the industry while balancing his role as a devoted family man.
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Mike Cannon-Brookes Net Worth
Michael Cannon-Brookes boasts an impressive net worth of approximately $11.3 billion USD, a testament to his successful entrepreneurial journey as the co-founder and chief executive officer of Atlassian.
This substantial wealth not only reflects the company’s remarkable growth and innovation in the software industry but also positions him among the wealthiest individuals in Australia and the global tech landscape.
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FAQs
Mike Cannon-Brookes became a billionaire through his successful co-founding of Atlassian, a leading software company known for its collaboration tools like Jira and Confluence. The company went public in December 2015, achieving a market capitalization of $4.37 billion, which significantly increased his wealth.
Atlassian is a publicly traded company, meaning it is owned by its shareholders. Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, as co-founders, hold significant stakes in the company, making them among its largest shareholders.
The Utah Jazz is owned by Ryan Smith, an American entrepreneur. While he is not Australian, Smith has made headlines for his ties to the Australian basketball community, including his connection to NBA player and Australian national team member Joe Ingles.
Yes, Mike Cannon-Brookes is married to American fashion designer Annie Todd, and the couple has four children together. They married in 2010 and have built a family life in Sydney.