Mike Cannon-Brookes: A Visionary Technologist and Climate Advocate

Mike Cannon-Brookes, the Australian billionaire entrepreneur, investor, and climate crusader, has carved out a unique niche in the global tech landscape. Co-founder of Atlassian, a software giant behind tools like Jira, Confluence, and Trello, Cannon-Brookes has demonstrated an extraordinary blend of business acumen, forward-thinking innovation, and environmental activism. His journey from a university student with a software idea to a globally recognized billionaire and influential voice in the fight against climate change is as inspiring as it is impactful.

Born on November 17, 1979, in New Haven, Connecticut, Cannon-Brookes moved to Sydney at a young age. He was raised in a well-educated family; his father was a banking executive and his mother a university lecturer. Education played a central role in shaping his worldview. He attended Cranbrook School in Sydney before enrolling at the University of New South Wales, where he studied information systems. It was during his time at university that he met Scott Farquhar, with whom he would later co-found Atlassian.

In 2002, with a startup capital of just $10,000, Cannon-Brookes and Farquhar launched Atlassian. They aimed to create tools that helped software developers and project managers collaborate more effectively. The company took off without the help of outside investment, a rare feat in the tech world. Atlassian’s products quickly became indispensable to development teams across the globe. By focusing on scalability, user experience, and affordability, Atlassian became a favorite among startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.

Cannon-Brookes’ leadership was instrumental in shaping Atlassian’s culture and global expansion. Under his and Farquhar’s guidance, the company went public in 2015 on the NASDAQ, with a valuation exceeding $4 billion. It has since grown exponentially, becoming a major player in the enterprise software space with a market capitalization in the tens of billions. Mike himself has received numerous accolades, including listings on the Forbes Billionaires list and being named Australian Business Person of the Year.

While his business success is notable, Cannon-Brookes is equally recognized for his passionate commitment to climate action. Alarmed by Australia’s sluggish response to climate change, he began leveraging his wealth and platform to push for a greener future. In 2017, he made headlines by challenging Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Twitter, offering support for building the world’s largest lithium-ion battery in South Australia—a promise that was successfully delivered within 100 days. The initiative helped stabilize the region’s energy grid and served as a bold demonstration of the power of renewable energy.

Cannon-Brookes has since become a significant investor in renewable energy projects. He is a major backer of the Sun Cable project, an ambitious plan to build the world’s largest solar farm and battery storage facility in Australia’s Northern Territory, with a submarine cable to supply power to Singapore. This multibillion-dollar initiative aims to reshape regional energy markets and set a precedent for sustainable infrastructure on a massive scale.

In addition to his investments, Cannon-Brookes is a vocal critic of government inaction on climate issues. He has used social media, public appearances, and interviews to call for more aggressive climate policies and a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. His activism is not only financial but also deeply personal, reflecting his desire to leave a better planet for future generations.

Despite his high profile, Cannon-Brookes maintains a relatively private life. He is married to Annie Todd, and together they have several children. The couple resides in Sydney, where Mike is known for his down-to-earth demeanor and casual style, often spotted in jeans and a t-shirt regardless of the occasion. He is also a fan of basketball and has an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz, an NBA team, underscoring his diverse interests beyond technology and climate.

Philanthropy is another key area of Cannon-Brookes’ life. He has pledged significant portions of his wealth to charitable causes, particularly those related to climate action and sustainability. Through his family office, Grok Ventures, he supports a range of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy technologies. He is part of the Giving Pledge, a commitment by the world’s wealthiest individuals to give away the majority of their wealth to address societal challenges.

Mike Cannon-Brookes represents a new kind of entrepreneur—one who blends technological innovation with ethical responsibility. His work with Atlassian transformed how teams collaborate around the world, and his dedication to climate action is influencing both corporate practices and public policy. He exemplifies the belief that success in business can—and should—be used as a platform for driving meaningful change. His story is not just one of wealth and influence but of vision, purpose, and a deep commitment to shaping a sustainable future.