Airwallex, the Australia-founded fintech leader, has introduced a new initiative, Airwallex Impact, dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship worldwide.
This ambitious social impact program pledges one percent of the company’s equity towards philanthropic causes, along with commitments of employee time, profits, and products to support the innovation ecosystem.
Airwallex Impact also includes a dedicated program for startups, Airwallex for Startups.
Since its launch in September 2023, the Airwallex for Startups program has attracted over 2,000 startups across Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with New Zealand scheduled to join this month. The program provides emerging entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, partner perks, and tailored resources, supporting startup success through over 50 events to date.
This initiative builds on Airwallex’s history of supporting startups in AI and fintech. By participating in Australia’s Techstars incubator and backing the Sydney-based AI Build Club, Airwallex has helped lower barriers for early-stage startups. Recently, the company sponsored a female-founded team’s trip to San Francisco for capital-raising, highlighting its commitment to underrepresented founders.
Airwallex for Startups is a specific program within Airwallex Impact that focuses on providing support and resources to early-stage startups. This program includes:
- Reduced-rate financial services: Access to cross-border payment infrastructure at lower costs.
- Networking events: Opportunities to connect with other entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Mentorship: Guidance and advice from experienced professionals.
Aiming for Lasting Community Impact
By joining the Pledge 1% movement, Airwallex aligns with prominent companies like Atlassian, Canva, Airbnb, and Salesforce, which support corporate philanthropy through equity pledges.
Airwallex CEO and Co-founder Jack Zhang explained the vision behind Airwallex Impact: “As we approach our tenth anniversary, this commitment builds on our past initiatives and lays the foundation for long-term impact,” he said. “We’re dedicated to helping businesses thrive, and this initiative aligns with our mission to advance innovation and economic growth in our communities.” Scott Farquhar, Co-Founder of Atlassian and Pledge 1%, lauded Airwallex’s approach: “We created Pledge 1% to encourage companies to embed philanthropy in their business model. Airwallex’s commitment to social impact sets a meaningful example.”
Airwallex’s equity pledge, valued at over $56 million, establishes a growing endowment to support philanthropy as the company expands. Previously, Airwallex donated AU$3 million to the University of Melbourne, creating scholarships for 43 students, including a high percentage of international and female students. Additionally, the company contributed AU$150,000 to help cover expenses for 65 more students, supported by mentorship and internship opportunities. To date, employees have dedicated over 400 hours to mentoring students, underscoring Airwallex’s investment in young talent.
Expanding Support for Future Innovators
The Airwallex Impact Program will build on these efforts, forming new philanthropic partnerships in key regions to provide scholarships, financial training, and startup incubation support. Pledge 1% CEO Amy Lesnick welcomed Airwallex to the community, noting, “Airwallex’s equity commitment creates a long-term link between the company’s growth and philanthropic potential.”
Alongside financial support, Airwallex Impact will offer resources to the startup community, including mentoring, the Airwallex for Startups program, and product discounts for select non-profits.
Encouraging Employees to Give Back
Starting in 2025, Airwallex’s 1,600+ employees will each commit three days annually to community service, with two days dedicated to Airwallex Impact initiatives and an additional day for any cause they choose. Zhang emphasized the importance of volunteerism, stating, “Our team includes some of the brightest minds, and sharing their expertise to help the broader ecosystem flourish is immensely rewarding.”
Supporting Non-Profits with Discounted Products
In mid-2025, Airwallex will introduce discounted access to its products for select non-profits, furthering its commitment to sustainable growth across sectors. This initiative marks a key part of Airwallex’s dedication to fostering innovation in the non-profit and startup communities.
For more information on Airwallex Impact and the Airwallex for Startups program, visit airwallex.com.
Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
