Make a positive impact
Our approach to sustainability
Driven by our "We Care" company value, at SumUp, we're committed to making our world a better place by doing good for our societies and planet.
Today, SumUp is fortunate to have solid financial footing, global scale and cross-functional expertise, allowing us to extend our positive impact beyond our merchants to our people and planet. SumUp focuses on 3 Es: Environment, Education and Entrepreneurship to achieve this.
Environment
Protecting our planet has never been more urgent. At SumUp, we take responsibility for ensuring the Earth remains habitable for generations to come. We're committed to creating a healthier and more sustainable world for all.
Education
Education is a powerful force for social mobility, financial inclusion, and overall well-being. Through our initiatives, we empower underprivileged youth by providing access to education, reducing unemployment, and building a future-ready, skilled workforce.
Entrepreneurship
We strive to drive positive economic transformation by supporting sustainable and social entrepreneurship. Our efforts focus on empowering entrepreneurs from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to build impactful and thriving businesses.
"As individuals and organisations, it's our responsibility to take action—not just for ourselves, but for our youth and the generations to come. Our mission to empower small merchants goes hand in hand with our commitment to supporting people and protecting our planet's future."
Marc-Alexander Christ, Co-founder of SumUp
Our sustainability journey
Our journey began with a strong belief that businesses are responsible for caring for our planet and its people. We understand the unique opportunity to drive meaningful change—and take that responsibility seriously. Discover how we promote sustainable practices and advocate for a more sustainable future through the impactful projects we support.
Social responsibility
Empowering children in rural India
We're proud to collaborate with DharmaLife to empower rural communities in India. Through the 'Lighting up Young Minds' programme, we funded a digital tech platform that provides education to over 10,000 children annually. Additionally, we launched 'Jaya,' an entrepreneurship initiative supporting up to 500 women each year with digital skills training, livelihood opportunities, and access to shared workspaces, all while fostering climate change awareness.
Making education in Brazil's favelas accessible
We partner with Associação Comunitária Monte Azul to provide better educational opportunities to underprivileged students in São Paulo's poorest regions. Our support includes extracurricular activities, a music and arts programme, and psychological support. These initiatives impact between 50 and 350 children per month, helping them thrive in an environment that fosters creativity and learning.
Improving access to Brazil's labour market
Through our collaboration with CapacitaME, we support individuals in vulnerable situations by providing essential resources to help them enter the labour market in Brazil. Our contributions include computers, desks, and financial aid to maintain their office space, benefiting over 500 people annually and fostering long-term employment opportunities.
Tech upskilling of young people in South America
Together with Generation, we launched a study programme for unemployed youth in Brazil. Our first cohort of 42 participants (including 11 SumUppers) joined a 3-month full-stack Java course designed to provide training and support to unemployed youth from minority groups interested in pursuing a career in tech. More than 80% of the 2022 unemployed graduates have now found employment.
In 2023, we're continuing to offer free technology courses to unemployed minority youth in Brazil, Chile and Colombia to more than 100 students – with the aim of upskilling:
Brazil: 79% women, 71% black and/or 'pardo', 36% LGBAP+, 5% transgender
Chile: 68% women and non-binary, 35% LGBTQ+, 18% migrants, 5% indigenous
Colombia: 73% women, 18% migrants, 15% LGBTQ+, 20% diverse backgrounds (people with disabilities, displaced by violence, ethnic minorities)
Certified member: 1% for the Planet
As a member of 1% for the Planet, we pledge 1% of all net revenue generated through transactions made with Solo card readers to support non-profit partnerships that offer lasting and impactful solutions to help combat the environmental crisis.
To know more, visit: 1% for the Planet
Environmental responsibility
Preserving ancient rainforest
In partnership with Wilderness International, we worked to preserve vital habitats and biodiversity for future generations. Together, we protected 200,000 m² of rainforest in Peru, safeguarding its rich ecosystems while offsetting 12,000 tonnes of CO2. This initiative ensures the long-term preservation of one of the world's most valuable natural resources.
Supplying families with clean cookstoves
Through our collaboration with StoveTeam International, we provided life-changing support to 2,000 families in Central America by supplying clean-burning cookstoves. These stoves reduce the risk of lung disease caused by traditional cooking methods and save 12 tonnes of CO2 per stove.
Removing plastic waste
Together with River CleanUp, we took action to remove plastic from rivers. Our sponsorship enabled the removal of over 215 tonnes of plastic waste from the Citarum River, one of the world's most polluted. We also supported on-the-ground education campaigns to raise environmental awareness in local communities.
Removing plastic waste
Together with River CleanUp, we took action to remove plastic from rivers. Our sponsorship enabled the removal of over 215 tonnes of plastic waste from the Citarum River, one of the world's most polluted. We also supported on-the-ground education campaigns to raise environmental awareness in local communities.