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FOR STARTUPS

Acceptance

Building the future of new and innovative payment acceptance experiences.

Start Path Home
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What we look for

solution

Unique and proven solution with clear market differentiation and reference customers.

Strategic fit

Startups that align with Mastercard’s strategy and business.

Stage

Investment raised (Seed, Series An or later) with product live in market and generating revenue.

team

Founders and teams with strong, relevant backgrounds that are passionate and ready to scale.

You’ve got the vision. We’ve got the global network to accelerate it.

Apply today
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Areas of focus

Channel partner solutions

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New verticals

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Emerging market solutions

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Gateway offerings

 

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In person payments

In person payment with card and business phone, consumer payment for a meal.

Our startups benefit from:

Rapid path to scale

Startups leverage our global network, partnerships and fintech solutions on their journey to scale.

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Dedicated support

Our team is dedicated to creating a pipeline that is unique and relevant to each company.

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Channels + customers

Start Path gives startups access to thousands of our customers and partners around the world.

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Potential investment

We have a dedicated fund to invest in startups, if and when a strategic fit is identified.

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Community

Connect with fintech startups via media, events and demo days and reach hundreds of Mastercard colleagues and customers.

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Events

Join the Start Path team at industry and Mastercard events.

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How It Works

Step 1

Submit your application online

Looking for global scale, accelerated expansion and a trusted partner
to help you to grow? Start your journey by applying online today.

Apply online
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Step 2

Mastercard evaluates your application.

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Step 3

Potential candidates are invited to share more about their solutions with our relevant product teams.

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Step 4

Selected startups take part in a virtual engagement programme.

Portfolio spotlight

Cardstream accelerates fintech enablement through innovation and partner collaboration, offering white-label Payment Gateway and PayFac-as-a-Service platforms that support embedded payments and rapid retailer onboarding. 

Adam Sharpe

CEO of Cardstream

Learn more
Cardstream logo.

Rainforest helps vertical software platforms grow revenue by embedding payments into their products without taking on risk or compliance headaches.

Joshua Silver

Founder and CEO of Rainforest

Learn more
Rainforest logo.

Skipify is reimagining the checkout experience with identity-powered payments, helping retailers significantly boost authorisation and conversion rates while reducing checkout abandonment.  

Ryth Martin
Founder and CEO of Skipify

Learn more
Skipify logo.

You’ve got the vision. We’ve got the global network to accelerate it.

Apply today
Mastercard logo.