French neobank Sumeria, a subsidiary of fintech leader Lydia, has introduced an innovative concept with the launch of Un vrai coffee shop. Open to everyone—Sumeria customers or not—the café offers a welcoming space to enjoy specialty coffee and delicious homemade cookies crafted by Lou, the passionate barista behind Les Cookies de l’Espace.
Innovation Masters: Guerrilla banking – Physical distribution without branches
A hub for community and creativity
The café is designed as a vibrant community hub, showcasing local talent. Exclusive ceramic tableware by Aly Ceramics and artwork by Franck Pellegrino enhance the space's elegant yet inviting atmosphere, making it more than just a coffee shop.
Where banking meets daily life
As a physical extension of Sumeria’s digital banking services, the café offers visitors the opportunity to engage with advisors in a casual setting. While not a traditional bank branch, the space provides personalized assistance and demonstrations of Sumeria’s app, creating a seamless link between banking and community interaction.
Financial literacy over coffee
Café Sumeria encourages financial education through workshops and a curated library of books. Guests can join informal discussions on budgeting and savings or attend structured sessions to develop their financial skills.
Reimagining customer engagement
Inspired by successful global models like Capital One Cafés in the U.S., Café Sumeria combines innovation with a human touch. It offers a permanent venue for meaningful exchanges, fostering accessibility and strengthening its role as a trusted community partner.
