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Canva Acquires Melbourne Ad Tech Firm Doohly for $30 Million as AI Push Continues

The Australian Financial Review

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Date Published
25 Mar 2026
Priority Score
1
Australian
Yes
Created
25 Mar 2026, 08:00 pm

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Description

As it pushes to become more of an artificial intelligence platform, the design software giant has made Melbourne-based Doohly its third purchase of 2026.

Summary

Canva's acquisition of Melbourne-based Doohly highlights a strategic expansion into integrated advertising technology and screen management software to bolster its AI-driven design ecosystem. While the move underscores the rapid commercial scaling of AI capabilities within Australian tech unicorns, the content focuses on business logistics and market positioning rather than technical safety benchmarks or existential risk mitigation. The development reflects a broader trend of general-purpose AI tools branching into specialized physical-world interfaces, though it offers limited insight into frontier model safety or global governance frameworks.

Body

TechnologyStart-upsPrint articlePaul SmithTechnology editorMar 25, 2026 – 9.20amCanva has bought Melbourne-based advertising technology company Doohly, its third acquisition of 2026, as the design software giant diversifies the business to better position itself for the artificial intelligence boom.Doohly sells a software platform that runs information and advertising screens in offices and retail outlets, and is used by customers including Mitre 10, Rebel Sport, Mobil, LiquorLand and Darwin International Airport.Loading...SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreStart-upsMergers & acquisitionsCanvaMedia & marketingAIFetching latest articles