Philanthropy meets entrepreneurship
An international circle of individuals, families, foundations, and corporates contributes capital, expertise, and networks to elea’s purpose.
A shared journey of impact and learning
Beyond the founding capital provided by Susanne and Peter Wuffli, a growing circle of over 65 philanthropic investors has enabled our reach and increased our impact. Together, we support innovative entrepreneurs who are fighting absolute poverty in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. We get involved in impact ventures at the early growth stage, when risk is highest and patient capital is most needed but least available.
The members of the elea Philanthropic Investors’ Circle share the conviction that entrepreneurship based on ethical values is one of the most powerful levers out of poverty and that fighting poverty demands more than just financial means. These entrepreneurially minded philanthropic investors often bring expertise, networks, and personal commitment to a common path of impact and learning. Together, they extend our reach beyond what any single philanthropic investor could achieve on their own.
Guided by our Comité de Patronage
elea can also count on the support of its Comité de Patronage, which was created in 2010. It brings together a small number of distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, and families who share a passion for elea’s purpose and long-term development. The members contribute significantly to elea’s organizational capital, as well as provide strategic support, expertise, and access to their networks.
Voices from our partners
As a long-time admirer of elea’s work, I joined the Comité de Patronage in 2022. I value elea’s pioneering role in philanthropic impact investing, as well as its distinctive positioning and professionalism.
elea sets high standards in the foundation landscape, because it supports people in becoming financially independent and self-reliant. Our successful partnership is based on trust, and we trust elea fully.
Effective foundation collaboration starts with honesty about your strengths and limitations. Rather than doing everything in-house, foundations should seek out partners with complementary expertise. That’s how you create real impact.
Invest as an individual
Value-aligned personalities and families partner with us to turn their philanthropic engagements into lasting impact through innovative entrepreneurship.
Invest as an institution
Companies and foundations partner with us beyond capital by deploying talent, exchanging know-how, and unlocking a diversified philanthropic strategy.
Legal and tax status
We are a tax-exempt philanthropic foundation under Swiss law, domiciled in the canton of Zurich. Donations are tax-deductible in Switzerland, subject to the tax laws of the donor’s canton of residence. Any profits from our investments are reinvested in further impact ventures, multiplying their impact.
Our international structures
We have also put structures in place for philanthropic investors outside Switzerland. In 2024, we obtained a US equivalency determination, which makes us the equivalent of a US public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the US Internal Revenue Code. This makes it easier for US donors to support elea. In Germany, our work can be supported through elea Stiftung, a foundation under German civil law that we established in Frankfurt am Main in 2026.
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you come as an individual or on behalf of an institution, let’s find the road that suits you.
