Canva has announced plans to acquire Australian generative AI content and research startup Leonardo.ai as part of its strategy to build a "world-class visual AI toolkit". While the specific financial details of the deal have not been disclosed, this move will enable Canva to gain access to Leonardo.ai's range of customizable text-to-image and text-to-video generation technologies. Co-founder of Canva, Cameron Adams, stated that Leonardo.ai will continue to develop its web platform as an independent product, similar to Canva's previous acquisition of the Affinity creative software suite. Additionally, Leonardo.ai's technology and Phoenix base model will be quickly integrated into Canva's existing Magic Studio product suite, including the Magic Media image and video generator. This acquisition marks an important step for Canva in expanding its platform's influence through a diversified toolkit. As one of the main competitors to Adobe's creative software product line, Canva is enhancing its competitiveness in the design market through acquisition strategies. With the addition of Leonardo.ai, particularly its Phoenix base model, Canva is expected to gain capabilities comparable to Adobe's Firefly generative AI model. Leonardo.ai revealed that its model training utilizes various data sources, including licensed, synthesized, and publicly/open-source data. Compared to Adobe's transparency in training Firefly, Leonardo.ai has a lower level of disclosure. However, with Adobe facing criticism due to policy updates regarding the use of user data for AI model training, Canva has the opportunity to win user trust by emphasizing data privacy and transparency. This acquisition is Canva's eighth and the second major acquisition this year, following its $380 million acquisition of UK design company Affinity. Canva currently has 190 million monthly active users and is clearly targeting Adobe's market share. By integrating Leonardo.ai's technology and team, Canva will be able to further strengthen its AI-driven design tool capabilities. After the acquisition, Leonardo.ai will not be fully integrated into Canva but will continue to maintain its independent product development while receiving support from Canva's resources. This strategy helps Canva expand its influence while preserving Leonardo.ai's innovative vitality. For users, this acquisition indicates that Canva's toolkit will soon introduce more advanced AI features, such as more realistic photo generation, character portrait creation, and AI-generated videos. These new features are expected to provide professionals with faster activity creation, more efficient prototyping, and innovative ways to visualize ideas.