01/12/2026
Melanie Perkins didn’t lose investor meetings because the idea was weak.
She lost them because the market wasn’t ready, the founder didn’t “fit the pattern,” and the traction wasn’t undeniable yet.
After 100+ rejections, Canva’s first yes came with a $3M seed round.
Years later, investors didn’t need convincing: capital showed up without asking.
That’s what consistency looks like when it’s paired with ex*****on, not noise.