By: 2 October 2024

Their ambitious mission is to deliver $1bn to environmental projects globally

Following the closure of its $2.5m funding round, ekko is setting its sights on a bold mission to contribute $1bn to environmental projects through a renewed focus on partnering with financial institutions. Through this initiative, ekko aims to bring sustainability to the forefront of the finance industry, creating tangible, large-scale impact.  

ekko’s comprehensive B2B product allows fintechs, banks, and payments service providers (PSPs) to easily plug sustainability into their existing service offerings. This helps financial institutions meet growing consumer demand for purpose-driven services, increasing customer engagement, loyalty, and advocacy. Recent research underscores the growing consumer demand for purpose-driven services: a Mastercard survey revealed that 85% of respondents are willing to change their behaviours for a more sustainable world, while Mambu found that 70% of global consumers would choose a bank that puts purpose over profits. 

By using ekko, financial institutions enable their customers to take climate action with every transaction. Through ekko’s integration, banking users can then monitor their carbon footprint via their transactions, receive actionable sustainability insights, and contribute to environmental projects—all within their existing banking or payments experience. The impact is profound: boosting climate education and encouraging consumers to become more conscious, whilst also making meaningful contributions to a range of vetted projects through ekko’s partnership with leading environmental organisations.  

“Our mission is simple: make sustainability an easy choice for everyone,” says Oli Cook, chief executive officer and co-founder of ekko. “By collaborating with banks and financial institutions, we can empower millions to make a difference by embedding education and impact within their daily banking habits. And with consumer interest in climate-linked financial products on the rise globally, now is the perfect time for businesses to act. Through these partnerships, we’re able to channel significant funds into projects making a vital difference to our planet.” 

ekko is already making waves with partnerships that include organisations like Tusk and Prevented Ocean Plastic. By scaling through financial institutions, ekko aims to contribute $1bn to projects focused on reducing carbon emissions, restoring nature and conserving wildlife and ecosystems.  

To complement its vision, ekko is also unveiling a refreshed brand, complete with a new website and visual identity that embodies the company’s commitment to helping drive climate action at speed and scale. This next stage of the growth journey is further supported by the recent board addition of Atom Bank founder, Anthony Thomson, and the hire of chief sustainability officer, Majda Dabaghi.

Image: ekko

Robert Welbourn
Robert Welbourn is an experienced financial writer. He has worked for a number of high street banks and trading platforms. He's also a published author and freelance writer and editor.