The SAP story
Five former IBM employees founded SAP in 1972 in Weinheim, Germany: Dietmar Hopp, Hasso Plattner, Claus Wellenreuther, Klaus Tschira and Hans-Werner Hector. Their software processed business data in real time. SAP R/2 and later R/3 made the company the standard for enterprise resource planning.
What makes SAP powerful
SAP is the backbone of business systems for many of the world's largest companies. Its software runs finance, supply chains, procurement, HR and manufacturing. That central role makes SAP hard to replace and gives it a long-term relationship with its customers.
SAP today
SAP SE is based in Walldorf and listed in Frankfurt and New York. Christian Klein has led the company since 2020. SAP has been moving its customers to the cloud through its RISE with SAP programme and has built artificial intelligence into its applications through its Joule assistant.
What comes next for SAP
SAP's task is to complete its customers' move to the cloud and turn business AI into real value, building on the data it already holds.
Why SAP ranks #22
SAP ranks #65 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 with a Power Score of 74.87.
Europe's ranking carries the same score, which places SAP at #22 among brands of core European origin.
Pillar profile
SAP was assessed on all five pillars and 50 parameters in the World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026. See its full global profile.
Versus its nearest rivals
6 Technology & Digital brands are in the Europe 100. SAP is #3 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is SAP in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
SAP ranks #22 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 74.87 out of 100. It also ranks #65 in WCRC's World's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026.
When was SAP founded and who founded it?
SAP was founded in 1972. Founder(s): Dietmar Hopp, Hasso Plattner, Claus Wellenreuther, Klaus Tschira and Hans-Werner Hector.
Who leads SAP today?
Christian Klein, CEO. The brand is owned by SAP SE.
Where is SAP headquartered?
SAP is based in Walldorf, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is SAP's revenue?
€36.80bn total revenue (FY2025, +8%), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about SAP?
SAP was founded by five former IBM employees in 1972.
Key facts
| Brand | SAP |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | SAP SE |
| Headquarters | Walldorf, Germany |
| Founded | 1972 |
| Founder(s) | Dietmar Hopp, Hasso Plattner, Claus Wellenreuther, Klaus Tschira and Hans-Werner Hector |
| Leadership | Christian Klein, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €36.80bn total revenue (FY2025, +8%) Source |
| Sector | Technology & Digital |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | SAP was founded by five former IBM employees in 1972. |
| Official website | sap.com |
SAP is ranked #22 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 74.87).