Mike Cannon-Brookes
Co-founder & CEO (sole CEO since Sep 2024), Atlassian
Mike Cannon-Brookes is an Australian technology entrepreneur and investor, co-founder and (since September 2024) sole chief executive officer of the software company Atlassian. He co-founded Atlassian with Scott Farquhar in 2002 and is also a prominent investor in renewable-energy and climate projects through his family office, Grok Ventures.
Fast facts
| Role | Co-founder & CEO (sole CEO since Sep 2024) |
|---|---|
| Company | Atlassian |
| Sector | Enterprise / collaboration software (SaaS) |
| Headquarters | NSW |
| In role since | 2002 |
| Education | University of New South Wales (Bachelor of Information Technology) |
| Other roles | Founder of Grok Ventures; climate investor (Boundless Earth, Sun Cable); major AGL Energy shareholder |
Background
Co-founded Atlassian in 2002 with Scott Farquhar; NASDAQ IPO 2015; became sole CEO September 2024 after Farquhar stepped down as co-CEO
Career timeline
- 2002Co-founded Atlassian with Scott Farquhar, funding the startup on credit cards
- 2006Named Australian Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young alongside Farquhar
- 2015Led Atlassian's NASDAQ IPO as co-CEO
- 2016Founded Grok Ventures, his family investment office
- 2024Became sole CEO of Atlassian in September after Farquhar stepped down as co-CEO
Notable
- Co-founded Atlassian with the modest initial goal of matching a graduate corporate salary of about A$48,000 without working for someone else
- Owns roughly 20% of Atlassian, including super-voting shares
- A major investor in green energy and climate projects, including backing large-scale solar initiatives
- Named, with Scott Farquhar, to Forbes' 'Global Game Changers' list in 2017
- Runs the family office Grok Ventures, active in technology and clean-energy investing
Frequently asked questions
What is Mike Cannon-Brookes known for?
He is the co-founder and, since September 2024, sole CEO of Atlassian, and a prominent climate and clean-energy investor.
When did Mike Cannon-Brookes become sole CEO of Atlassian?
In September 2024, after co-founder Scott Farquhar stepped down as co-CEO.
What is Grok Ventures?
It is Mike Cannon-Brookes's family investment office, founded in 2016, active in technology and renewable-energy investments.
Public profiles
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Cannon-Brookes
- https://www.forbes.com/profile/mike-cannon-brookes/
- https://www.atlassian.com/company/people
- https://www.atlassian.com/blog/announcements/scott-farquhar-ceo-transition
Last verified 2026-07-13. Professionally-public, sourced information only.