Echelon Payments has made a strategic investment in CREATE. The move is the next step in a shared growth strategy. This strategic investment in Echelon Payments is a continuation of a relationship that began in September 2025. At that time, CREATE. became a member of Echelon’s Strategic Partner Program.
Since then, the two companies have blended their complementary strengths to generate new opportunities. Echelon is now investing in the continued growth of CREATE. Therefore, the two companies expand their combined footprint across the payments industry.
Kevin Canada, CSO at Echelon, described the milestone in personal terms.
“A year ago, the CREATE. and Echelon teams came together, put in the work, and built the kind of trust you cannot put in a contract. That’s why today feels less like a transaction and more like family making it official. For 20 years, Echelon has been built on stability, trust, and a commitment to the people who call it home. To the entire CREATE. team, welcome home! This milestone belongs to everyone on both teams who made it happen. We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident we’re just getting started,” said Kevin Canada, CSO at Echelon.
The partnership unites two organizations built by industry veterans. Together, their teams bring hundreds of years of combined experience. CREATE. contributes established expertise and strong relationships in the nonprofit sector. In addition, the company offers a first-of-its-kind technology stack. Its design aims to move the industry forward.
Echelon, meanwhile, provides the full-service operational infrastructure. Brett Sturm and Richard Ross founded the company, and board member Jeff Rosenblatt supports its leadership. This foundation helps CREATE. accelerate its growth. Furthermore, both teams now work from a shared vision for the future.
Echelon Strengthens Its Strategic Partner Program
Peter Youngren, CEO of CREATE., also welcomed the investment.
“Echelon promised us a partnership that would create value for both organizations, and they have more than fulfilled that promise,” said Peter Youngren, CEO of CREATE. “The past year has shown us that we share much more than a business relationship. We share a vision for how we can grow, serve our customers and create opportunities together. This investment is the natural next step.”
The investment epitomizes a substantial commitment of Echelon to its Strategic Partner Program, while at the same time reinforcing the focus of the company on growth and innovation and expansion in strategic terms. Therefore, the announcement indicates that the successful partnership leads to deeper cooperation. In this way, both companies are able to take the next steps together.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
