Scott Farquhar is an Australian technology entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Atlassian, the Sydney-born software company behind global collaboration tools like Jira and Confluence. Launching Atlassian straight out of university, Farquhar became an “accidental billionaire” – a term he’s earned for achieving massive wealth almost by happenstance through his startup success. Today, he ranks among Australia’s richest individuals, with an estimated net worth around A$21.42 billion as of 2025 (approximately US$13–14 billion). This profile delves into Scott Farquhar’s journey from his early life in suburban Sydney to building a multi-billion-dollar tech empire, his key career highlights and business ventures, personal life and philanthropy, and what he’s focused on now. It also distils the lessons and takeaways from his entrepreneurial story – one that is both inspiring and uniquely Australian in flavour.

Early Life and Background

Scott Farquhar was born in December 1979 in Parramatta, a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales. Raised in a typical middle-class Australian family, Farquhar showed an early interest in technology. In fact, as a child he spent countless hours tinkering with an old computer his father bought – a machine that frustratingly wouldn’t run MS-DOS. The young Farquhar devoted a year to troubleshooting and getting it to work, a first taste of the persistence and problem-solving that would later define his career.

For his education, Farquhar attended Castle Hill Primary School and then James Ruse Agricultural High School, one of Australia’s top academically selective high schools. He excelled in this rigorous environment and went on to study at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BIT). Crucially, it was during his time at UNSW that Farquhar’s entrepreneurial path took shape. In 2001, a classmate named Mike Cannon-Brookes sent out an email looking for someone to help launch a tech startup – Farquhar was the only one to respond. This fateful reply led the pair to team up on a project that would soon become Atlassian.

Even before Atlassian formally existed, Farquhar’s motivations were clear. He and Cannon-Brookes jokingly aspired to replicate the A$48,500 graduate starting salary common in corporate jobs – but to do it on their own terms by starting a company, so they “wouldn’t have to work for someone else”. This humble goal of matching a grad salary, without any grand vision of billionaire status, later earned Farquhar the moniker of an “accidental billionaire.” It highlights how his journey began not with a quest for extreme wealth, but with a simple desire for autonomy and a comfortable living – a starting point with which many Australians can relate.

Career Highlights

Founding Atlassian (2002): Fresh out of university, Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes co-founded Atlassian in 2002 with virtually no external capital. Lacking wealthy backers, they famously bootstrapped the startup with a $10,000 credit card loan. In its early days, Atlassian operated out of Sydney and had to be scrappy to survive. Farquhar and his partner focused on building a quality product rather than spending on a sales force or flashy marketing. Their first major software release was Jira, an issue-tracking and project management tool, which they sold online at affordable prices. Eschewing a traditional sales team, they let the product’s value speak for itself – an unconventional strategy that paid off as thousands of developers and companies adopted Atlassian’s tools.

By 2005, Atlassian’s customer base was growing rapidly overseas, so the company opened its first U.S. office in New York, later relocating it to San Francisco to tap into a deeper tech talent pool. Farquhar’s role as co-CEO involved guiding Atlassian’s expansion while maintaining its engineering-driven culture. Notably, Atlassian did not take any venture capital until 2010, when it secured a $60 million investment from Accel Partners. By that point, the company was already profitable and scaling fast, proving Farquhar’s instinct that a great product can fuel its own growth.

Rise to Prominence: The co-founders’ achievements began garnering recognition within a few years. In 2006, Farquhar (along with Cannon-Brookes) was honoured as Ernst & Young’s Australian Entrepreneur of the Year – a prestigious award highlighting the impact Atlassian was starting to have on the tech industry. Atlassian’s product suite expanded with collaboration tools like Confluence (for content and knowledge sharing) and others, gaining global popularity among software teams. By the mid-2010s, Atlassian had a worldwide customer base and a reputation for innovative, user-friendly enterprise software.

IPO and Billionaire Status: A major career milestone came in December 2015 when Atlassian went public on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The initial public offering valued the company at around US$4.37 billion (about A$6 billion at the time). Atlassian’s blockbuster IPO instantly minted Farquhar and Cannon-Brookes as Australia’s first startup tech billionaires. Overnight, the two college friends became household names in Australian business circles. Despite the fanfare, Farquhar remained focused on the company mission – Atlassian’s ticker symbol “TEAM” reflects its core purpose of helping teams work better together.

Following the IPO, Atlassian’s growth only accelerated. The company rode the global wave of digital transformation, with tools that became staples for software development, project management, and collaboration across industries. As of 2024, Atlassian has over 300,000 customers worldwide using its products – a testament to the platform’s ubiquity from small startups to large enterprises. The firm’s market capitalisation swelled dramatically during the 2020–2021 tech boom (peaking well above US$50 billion), and although the share price saw some ups and downs, Atlassian remained one of Australia’s most valuable tech companies (valued around US$50 billion in 2024). All the while, Farquhar steered the company’s strategy jointly with Cannon-Brookes in a rare co-CEO arrangement that lasted nearly two decades.

Leadership Transition: In April 2024, Farquhar announced that he would step down as Atlassian’s co-CEO at the end of August 2024. This marked the end of an era – from 2002 to 2024 he had been at the helm of the company he co-founded. Atlassian announced that Farquhar was transitioning out of day-to-day executive duties “to spend more time with his young family, improve the world via philanthropy, and help further the technology industry globally”. His long-time business partner Cannon-Brookes continued as the sole CEO after Farquhar’s departure. Farquhar’s decision highlights his priorities beyond business, but he didn’t sever ties with Atlassian entirely – he remains on the board of directors and serves as a special advisor to the company. At the time of his transition, he still owned roughly 20% of Atlassian’s shares, so his influence and stake in the company’s future persist even without the CEO title.

Business Ventures

While Atlassian has been the centerpiece of Scott Farquhar’s career, he has also engaged in several other business ventures and investments, leveraging his wealth and experience to support new enterprises. The most notable vehicle for his outside ventures is Skip Capital, a private investment fund (sometimes referred to as Skip Ventures) which Farquhar co-founded with his wife, Kim Jackson. Through Skip Capital, Farquhar has become a significant investor in the tech startup ecosystem. The fund has taken stakes in multiple high-profile Australian “unicorn” startups (companies valued over $1 billion), including design platform Canva (co-founded by Melanie Perkins)  and fintech leader Airwallex, as well as other rising stars like Culture Amp, SafetyCulture, and overseas successes such as Figma and 1Password. By backing these companies, Farquhar isn’t just investing money – he’s also sharing expertise and helping to nurture Australia’s next generation of tech success stories.

Beyond venture investing, Farquhar has been active as a mentor and industry advisor. He has, for example, mentored entrepreneurs through programs like the Australian Businesswomen’s Network and delivered guest lectures on entrepreneurship at his alma mater, UNSW. These efforts reflect his desire to give back to the startup community and encourage budding business leaders. In interviews, Farquhar often stresses the importance of long-term vision and passion in building a company. He believes founders must treat building a business as a marathon, not a sprint, and to “pick something you’re absolutely passionate about” – advice he gave after more than a decade growing Atlassian from scratch.

Farquhar’s prominence in the tech sector also led to roles in industry organisations. He is a member of the Technology Council of Australia and, as of 2025, serves as its Chair. In this role he helps advocate for policies and initiatives to grow Australia’s tech industry, from talent development to innovation-friendly regulation. This position underscores his evolution from startup founder to an elder statesman of Australian tech, using his voice to influence the broader landscape for future innovators.

Achievements and Recognition

Scott Farquhar’s entrepreneurial journey has earned him considerable recognition, both in Australia and globally. A few of his notable achievements and honours include:

  • Australia’s First Tech Billionaires: With Atlassian’s IPO in 2015, Farquhar (then in his mid-30s) and his co-founder became Australia’s first self-made tech startup billionaires. This milestone put them on the map as pioneers in a country that previously had few home-grown tech titans.
  • Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2006): Farquhar, alongside Cannon-Brookes, won E&Y’s Australian Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2006. This recognised their rapid success with Atlassian and their innovative business model early on. It was an early public acknowledgement of Farquhar’s leadership in building a global company from Australia.
  • Rich List Rankings: Farquhar has been a fixture on rich lists for over a decade. He first appeared on the BRW Young Rich list in 2007 and entered the BRW Rich 200 (Australia’s wealthiest 200 people) by 2013. In subsequent years, as Atlassian’s valuation soared, so did Farquhar’s rankings. He consistently ranks among the top five on the Financial Review Rich List, peaking at #4 in 2025 with an estimated fortune of A$21.42 billion. Forbes also regularly lists him among the world’s billionaires, valuing his wealth at around US$13–15 billion in recent years. These rankings underscore not just personal wealth but also Farquhar’s impact on the economy as a major business figure.
  • Business Person of the Year: The Australian Financial Review named Farquhar and Cannon-Brookes jointly as Business Persons of the Year in recognition of Atlassian’s influence (for instance, following the company’s successful public listing and expansion). Such accolades highlight Farquhar’s stature as a leading figure in the business community.
  • Industry Influence: Farquhar is respected not only for his company’s financial success but for how he achieved it. Atlassian has often been lauded for its strong company culture and innovative practices. Farquhar helped cultivate a workplace known for transparency, customer-centric development, and a set of core values (like “Don’t #@!% the customer” – a cheeky way Atlassian emphasizes user satisfaction). Under his co-leadership, Atlassian also embraced progressive policies, such as giving employees time and resources for creative projects and charity work, setting an example in corporate philanthropy.
  • Advocacy and Thought Leadership: Together with Cannon-Brookes, Farquhar has been a high-profile advocate for various causes, especially in technology and sustainability. They have been vocal supporters of renewable energy and climate action, leveraging their wealth and voices to push for emissions reductions in Australia. Farquhar has also spoken out on issues like tech talent immigration – for instance, criticizing government visa changes that he felt made Australia less attractive to skilled workers. These stances have bolstered his reputation as a business leader who uses his platform for broader impact, beyond just his own company.

In summary, Scott Farquhar’s achievements span creating a globally successful company, attaining personal wealth and influence, and earning esteem as a visionary who proved that an Australian startup can compete on the world stage. Importantly, much of the recognition he receives also ties to how Atlassian achieved success – through innovation, ethical practices, and a commitment to giving back – which has set a benchmark for entrepreneurs following in his footsteps.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Despite his billionaire status and public profile, Scott Farquhar is known to be relatively down-to-earth and private about his personal life. He married Kim Jackson in 2009. Kim is a former investment banker who has become a powerhouse in her own right, heading up the couple’s investment and philanthropic ventures. She leads Skip Capital (the family’s venture fund) and the Skip Foundation, which drives their charitable initiatives. Farquhar and Jackson have three young sons together, and Farquhar has often mentioned the importance of balancing family life with his work – a factor in his decision to step back from Atlassian’s daily management.

The Farquhar-Jackson family made headlines in 2017 with a real estate purchase that symbolised their success. Scott bought “Elaine,” the historic Fairfax family estate on Sydney Harbour, for approximately A$75 million – at the time one of the most expensive home sales in Australian history. The massive waterfront property in Point Piper had been in the Fairfax publishing dynasty for over a century. Farquhar later sold Elaine in 2024 for about A$130 million, reportedly after plans to sensitively restore and modernise the residence. This significant profit on the sale reflected the booming luxury property market and perhaps a shift in the family’s priorities as they decided to let the estate go. His Atlassian co-founder, Cannon-Brookes, coincidentally purchased the neighbouring mansion (Australia’s priciest home) around the same period, underscoring the level of wealth these tech entrepreneurs had achieved.

Philanthropy is a central part of Scott Farquhar’s life. He has long believed in the ethos of “doing good” alongside doing business. In 2014, he co-founded Pledge 1%, a global corporate philanthropy movement that encourages companies to commit 1% of equity, 1% of product, 1% of profit, and 1% of employee time to charitable causes. This initiative – started with inspiration from Salesforce’s Marc Benioff – was baked into Atlassian’s DNA from its early days. Atlassian set aside equity and funds for its charitable foundation well before it was profitable, exemplifying the Pledge 1% philosophy. Under Farquhar’s co-leadership, Atlassian’s foundation has supported education projects and global development causes, aligning with the founders’ belief in improving the world through education and technology.

Farquhar’s personal charitable focus, often through the Skip Foundation, spans environmental, health, and social equity causes. For example, Skip Foundation has funded initiatives in renewable energy and backed programs promoting equal opportunity for underserved groups. The foundation also champions the Pledge 1% model in Australia, encouraging other businesses to donate a portion of their profits and employee time to the community. In 2025, Farquhar took on the role of Chair of Pledge 1% globally, signaling a return to hands-on involvement in the movement he helped start. In this role he is rallying fellow entrepreneurs – including many he’s invested in – to integrate giving into their business models from the start, as he did.

Beyond organised philanthropy, there are personal values that shine through. Colleagues describe Farquhar as someone who genuinely cares about his employees and community. Anecdotally, he once even saved a stranger’s life – news reports recounted that in April 2022, Farquhar sprang into action to help a man suffering a medical emergency in Las Vegas. This incident, though unrelated to his work, illustrates a side of Farquhar that is compassionate and unafraid to get involved.

In summary, Scott Farquhar’s personal life reflects a blend of humility and generosity. He enjoys a comfortable life thanks to his fortune (with luxury real estate and an adventurous streak as a traveller and cyclist), but he remains grounded in family and driven by a desire to give back. Together with his wife, he is ensuring that their success benefits more than just themselves – be it through investing in other founders’ dreams or contributing to causes that improve lives. This commitment to philanthropy and community is a defining aspect of Farquhar’s legacy.

Scott Farquhar Estimated Net Worth

As of late 2025, Scott Farquhar’s net worth is estimated at approximately A$21.42 billion, placing him among the top five richest Australians. This figure comes from the Australian Financial Review’s 2025 Rich List and reflects the enormous value of his stake in Atlassian, along with other assets. In global terms, his wealth translates to roughly US$13–14 billion (depending on exchange rates), a sum that regularly lands him on Forbes’ billionaires list. Forbes’ real-time tracking valued Farquhar around US$13.1 billion in 2025, underscoring his status as one of the world’s wealthiest tech founders.

The bulk of Farquhar’s net worth is tied to his shareholding in Atlassian. Even after stepping back from management, he owns about one-fifth of the company, which is publicly traded on the NASDAQ. Atlassian’s stock performance has been the primary driver of his wealth. For instance, during the early 2020s, Atlassian’s market capitalisation skyrocketed, which at one point saw Farquhar’s net worth peak even higher (the AFR Rich List assessed him at A$26.4 billion in 2022). Like many tech fortunes, it has fluctuated with market conditions – dipping when tech stocks fell in 2022–2023, then partially rebounding. The current figure of A$21+ billion reflects a more stable, matured valuation of Atlassian in a post-boom market.

Aside from Atlassian equity, Farquhar’s net worth is bolstered by his other investments through Skip Capital, substantial property holdings, and cash philanthropy reserves. However, it’s clear that Atlassian’s success is the foundation of his wealth. It’s also worth noting that Farquhar’s fortune is a joint story with Cannon-Brookes – the two have often appeared near each other on rich lists, sometimes trading places based on whose shares they’ve sold or market movements. In 2025, Farquhar was ranked #4 and Cannon-Brookes #3 on the AFR Rich List, with only mining magnates and another tech mogul ahead of them.

Despite these eye-watering numbers, Farquhar has publicly maintained a philosophy of modesty and responsibility about wealth. He is part of a new generation of billionaire entrepreneurs who talk as much about impact as they do about money. In practice, he’s channelled a portion of his wealth into philanthropy (with Pledge 1% and personal giving) and investments in other startups, rather than extravagant personal consumption alone. That said, with a net worth in the tens of billions, Farquhar certainly enjoys financial freedom and the ability to pursue both business and philanthropic interests on a grand scale.

Where Are They Now

Having handed over the reins of Atlassian’s daily leadership in 2024, Scott Farquhar has entered a new chapter of his professional life – one that balances investment, philanthropy, and industry advocacy. As of late 2025, Farquhar remains a key figure in Atlassian’s orbit as a board member and special adviser, but much of his focus has shifted to roles outside the company’s day-to-day operations.

A significant part of Farquhar’s “next phase” is his deepened involvement in philanthropy and social impact initiatives. In 2025 he took on the role of Board Chair of Pledge 1%, the very initiative he co-founded years ago to encourage corporate philanthropy. In this position, Farquhar is essentially an evangelist for giving back: he works with startups, unicorn companies, and investors worldwide to integrate charitable giving into their business models from inception. The movement has grown tremendously – by 2025, over 19,000 companies globally had joined Pledge 1%, collectively pledging billions in equity and resources to social causes. Farquhar’s leadership here signals his commitment to scaling generosity in the business world, and it keeps him closely connected with a network of mission-driven entrepreneurs.

In parallel, Farquhar has stepped up his engagement in shaping Australia’s tech future. In early 2025, he became the Chair of the Tech Council of Australia, a peak body representing the tech industry. In this capacity, he’s been active in policy discussions – from addressing the nation’s AI strategy to lobbying for better STEM education and digital infrastructure. For example, Farquhar has spoken at the National Press Club about Australia’s opportunity in the AI revolution, articulating how the country can embrace technology for growth while safeguarding societal values. His influence in these forums reflects how he’s leveraging his experience to benefit the wider community of tech companies and professionals in Australia.

On the investment front, Farquhar continues to oversee Skip Capital’s ventures with his wife Kim. They frequently appear at startup demo days and tech events in Australia, and their fund remains an active backer of promising tech ventures. Farquhar has indicated that he enjoys the role of mentor and investor – it allows him to stay involved in cutting-edge technology and business innovation, but without the 80-hour weeks that came with being a CEO. “I’m super blessed to be moving into the next phase of life beyond working 80 hours a week,” he said in mid-2025, expressing gratitude for the freedom to focus on family and civic life while still being professionally engaged.

Personally, Farquhar is often seen balancing work and family. Stepping down as co-CEO was motivated by a desire to spend more time with his children while they’re young. He has embraced the chance to do school drop-offs, travel with his family, and even indulge his hobbies like cycling and adventure travel, which were harder to fit in while running a global company.

In summary, Scott Farquhar today is very much present in the arenas he cares about – he’s just wearing different hats than before. Instead of running a single company, he’s guiding many (as an investor and mentor), and instead of focusing on Atlassian’s next quarter, he’s championing long-term causes like education, innovation, and philanthropy. This evolution from CEO to mentor-philanthropist is a natural progression for someone who achieved massive success early and now seeks to ensure that success has a lasting, positive impact. It’s clear that Farquhar’s story is still being written, with chapters that extend far beyond Atlassian’s boardrooms.

Key Lessons and Takeaways

Scott Farquhar’s journey offers a wealth of lessons for entrepreneurs, professionals, and anyone interested in building something meaningful. Here are some key takeaways from his story:

  • Start Small, Think Big: Farquhar didn’t set out to build a billion-dollar empire; he and his co-founder simply wanted to match a graduate salary on their own terms. By focusing on solving a problem (improving team collaboration with Atlassian’s software) and serving customers well, they created a product that practically sold itself. The “accidental” nature of his billionaire status shows that if you focus on delivering value, big outcomes can follow.
  • Product over Hype: In Atlassian’s early days, Farquhar chose to put resources into product development instead of flashy sales and marketing campaigns. This product-centric strategy – making Jira and Confluence truly useful and affordable – built a loyal user base worldwide. The takeaway: great products drive sustainable growth. In an era when startups often chase buzz and funding, Atlassian proved you can grow by word-of-mouth and customer love.
  • Persistence and Resilience: From debugging a faulty childhood computer to navigating Atlassian through global expansions and market swings, Farquhar demonstrated persistence. He has openly discussed challenges Atlassian faced – from near-death startup moments to scaling pains – and how each hurdle was met with creative problem-solving. The lesson is that every business hits bumps in the road; the winners are those who adapt and persevere.
  • Long-Term Vision: Farquhar often says building a company is “a marathon, not a sprint.” After Atlassian’s IPO, he reminded fellow founders that success took them 13 years, and there was another 13 (and more) ahead. Having a long-term purpose and patience is crucial. He advises entrepreneurs to maintain a long-term vision and not be consumed by short-term metrics or fads.
  • Passion and People: “Pick something you’re absolutely passionate about,” Farquhar tells aspiring entrepreneurs. His own passion for technology and teamwork fueled Atlassian’s mission to unleash the potential of every team. Equally, he learned the importance of surrounding yourself with good people. He’s spoken about how crucial Atlassian’s employees are to the company’s success – many early staff stayed for over a decade, a rarity in tech. The culture of trust and empowerment he fostered meant that as Atlassian grew, it retained the spirit of a tight-knit team. The takeaway: success is a team sport, and treating your people well pays dividends in loyalty and innovation.
  • The Power of Partnership: Farquhar’s two-decade co-leadership with Cannon-Brookes is a case study in the value of a strong partnership. They complemented each other’s skills and presented a united front through thick and thin. Budding entrepreneurs can learn about choosing the right co-founder – someone who shares your vision and values – and working through disagreements with mutual respect. Farquhar has credited the trust between him and Cannon-Brookes as foundational to Atlassian’s stability and success.
  • Give Back as You Grow: Perhaps one of the most distinctive lessons from Farquhar’s story is the emphasis on giving back from day one. By co-founding Pledge 1% and integrating philanthropy into Atlassian’s business model early, he showed that doing good and doing well can go hand in hand. This approach not only created positive social impact but also defined Atlassian’s identity and attracted employees and customers who share those values. Farquhar’s post-CEO focus on philanthropy reinforces that life is about more than balance sheets – it’s also about legacy and contribution to society.
  • Life Balance and Priorities: Finally, Farquhar’s choice to step away from the CEO grind to focus on family and philanthropy is a powerful reminder that personal fulfillment is as important as professional success. Having achieved financial freedom, he’s prioritising time with his young family and causes he cares about. The lesson: even in the throes of building a business, it’s vital to keep sight of what matters most to you personally. Success offers the chance to realign your life with your values – something Farquhar has done in an admirable way.

In essence, Scott Farquhar’s story teaches us about innovation, integrity, and impact. From a university dorm brainstorm to the pinnacles of wealth, he exemplifies how grit and a clear mission can create something that resonates globally. Yet, he also shows humility – reminding everyone that success can be unexpected and should be used as a force for good. These lessons make his journey more than just a riches-to-riches tale; it’s a blueprint for building businesses that last and leadership that matters.

Conclusion

Scott Farquhar’s rise from a Sydney university student to a tech billionaire encapsulates the possibilities of Australia’s innovation landscape. Along the way, he helped put Australian tech on the world map through Atlassian’s success, demonstrating that world-beating software companies can be born and bred Down Under. Farquhar’s career is marked not only by financial achievement but by a commitment to values – from treating employees and customers right, to embedding philanthropy into the corporate ethos. Now in his mid-40s, he is channeling his experience and resources into nurturing the next generation of startups and amplifying charitable causes, ensuring that his impact will be felt long into the future.

In many ways, Scott Farquhar’s story is a perfect example of the kind of entrepreneurial journey we highlight at Business in Focus. It’s a journey of ambition and adaptability – starting with a simple goal and evolving into something far greater. It’s also a story of using success responsibly: as Farquhar often shows, true legacy comes from what you build and what you give back. From Atlassian’s founding to his current role as a mentor and philanthropist, Farquhar exemplifies the ingenuity and spirit of Australian entrepreneurship. His continued efforts in supporting technology, community, and innovation ensure that we haven’t heard the last of his influence. For readers and aspiring entrepreneurs, Scott Farquhar’s trajectory offers inspiration to dream big, stay true to your principles, and remember that even “accidental” billionaires can make a deliberate difference in the world.

FAQs

Q: What is Scott Farquhar’s net worth?
A: Scott Farquhar’s net worth is estimated to be about A$21.42 billion as of 2025, according to the Australian Financial Review’s Rich List. In US dollars, this is roughly in the range of $13–14 billion. His wealth primarily comes from his approximately 20% ownership stake in Atlassian, supplemented by other investments. This valuation can fluctuate with the stock market, as Atlassian’s share price changes.

Q: How did Scott Farquhar make his money?
A: Farquhar made the vast majority of his fortune as the co-founder of Atlassian, a software company he started with Mike Cannon-Brookes in 2002. They began by creating collaboration and project-tracking tools (like Jira and Confluence) that became popular worldwide, fueling Atlassian’s growth and leading to its IPO in 2015. The success of Atlassian – now a multi-billion-dollar public company – is the core source of his wealth. Farquhar also increased his wealth through investments in other tech startups (such as Canva and Airwallex) via his private fund, Skip Capital. But it’s Atlassian’s remarkable value that turned him into a billionaire.

Q: Is Scott Farquhar still involved with Atlassian?
A: Yes, albeit in a different capacity than before. In August 2024, Scott Farquhar stepped down as the co-CEO of Atlassian after over 20 years in charge. He made this move to spend more time with family and focus on other passions like philanthropy. However, he didn’t cut ties completely – Farquhar remains on Atlassian’s board of directors and serves as a special advisor to the company. His co-founder, Mike Cannon-Brookes, continues as the sole CEO. So, while Farquhar is no longer running daily operations, he is still involved at a strategic level and as a major shareholder.

Q: Who is Scott Farquhar’s wife?
A: Scott Farquhar is married to Kim Jackson. They married in 2009 and have three children together. Kim Jackson has a formidable career of her own – she was an investment banker by profession and now manages the couple’s investment and philanthropic ventures. She heads Skip Capital, their private investment fund focusing on tech startups, and is also involved in the Skip Foundation, which directs their charitable efforts. In essence, she is Farquhar’s partner in business and philanthropy. The duo is known for working closely on investments in startups and on giving to causes like environmental sustainability and education.

Q: What philanthropic work does Scott Farquhar do?
A: Philanthropy is a big part of Scott Farquhar’s life. He co-founded the global movement Pledge 1%, which encourages companies to donate 1% of equity, profit, product, and employee time to charity. Farquhar built this giving model into Atlassian from the very start. He also, along with his wife Kim, runs the Skip Foundation, which funds initiatives in areas like climate change, health, and equal opportunity. In 2025, Farquhar took on the role of Chair of Pledge 1% worldwide, essentially championing corporate philanthropy on a global stage. Additionally, Atlassian’s charitable arm (the Atlassian Foundation) focuses on education projects and has pledged a portion of the company’s equity and profits to nonprofit causes. Through these efforts, Farquhar has contributed to everything from STEM education programs in underserved communities to environmental sustainability projects. He believes strongly in businesses having a positive social impact and often speaks about integrating philanthropy into the core of company culture.

Q: How old is Scott Farquhar and where is he from?
A: Scott Farquhar was born in December 1979, so he turned 45 years old in late 2024 and will be 46 by the end of 2025. He is a Sydney native; Farquhar grew up in Parramatta, a suburb in Western Sydney. He attended school and university in Sydney (including James Ruse Agricultural High and UNSW) before launching Atlassian in the same city. Even as Atlassian expanded globally, Farquhar remained closely tied to Australia – the company’s official headquarters is in Sydney, and he has been a prominent figure in the Australian tech scene throughout his career.