On Wednesday, Canva revealed its acquisition of two companies: Simtheory, known for its AI collaboration and agent management platform, and Ortto, a customer data and marketing automation firm. Though financial specifics were not disclosed, these acquisitions mark Canva’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its AI and marketing infrastructure.
Founded by Chris and Mike Sharkey, who previously established the vacation rental service Stayz, these leaders will assume significant roles within Canva’s AI and marketing technology divisions. Canva aims to bolster its capabilities in agentic AI, data infrastructure, marketing automation, and customer engagement, effectively transforming from a traditional design tool into a comprehensive platform where teams can execute their projects from inception to completion. This strategic move enhances Canva’s workflow capabilities, evolving the platform to support every aspect of marketing—from initial concept development to campaign execution and analysis.
Simtheory’s platform stands out by enabling teams to develop AI assistants that can understand business contexts, operate across various tools, and manage substantial tasks. This flexibility allows for custom workflows designed to fit specific organisational needs. Meanwhile, Ortto integrates a customer data platform with marketing automation functionalities, facilitating a seamless experience for teams to create and manage customer interactions across multiple channels like email, SMS, and push notifications. Its real-time data activation features cater to over 11,000 customers worldwide, encompassing 190 countries.
Cliff Obrecht, Canva’s co-founder and COO, remarked that adding Simtheory will accelerate Canva’s transition from merely a design tool with AI features into a robust AI-centric platform integrated with design and productivity solutions. Simultaneously, Ortto will enhance Canva Grow’s capabilities, empowering the entire marketing and content lifecycle—from planning to execution and optimisation across all channels.
This latest acquisition follows a series of strategic purchases by Canva, which also included the recent acquisition of digital outdoor advertising startup Doohly and startups Cavalry and MangoAI aimed at enhancing animation and ad performance. Earlier this year, Canva acquired marketing intelligence company MagicBrief, demonstrating a consistent trajectory of growth and innovation.
As of 2025, Canva reported an annual revenue of $4 billion, with a user base exceeding 265 million, including 31 million paid users. The company is also witnessing a 20% increase in its monthly active users, solidifying its position as a leader in the design and digital marketing space.
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