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FOR STARTUPS

Blockchain and digital assets

Fueling the future of digital finance through trusted, blockchain-powered innovation.

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 A 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

Stablecoin on/off ramp providers 

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Crypto card infrastructure providers

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Blockchain compliance, security & analytics providers

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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 grow? Start your journey by applying online today.

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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 program.

Portfolio spotlight

Kulipa bridges the gap between cryptocurrency and everyday commerce by enabling crypto wallets to issue branded debit cards, allowing users to spend their self-custodied crypto seamlessly in the real world.

Axel Cateland
Founder and CEO of Kulipa

Kulipa logo.

Lirium is a Crypto-as-a-Service company that provides a plug-and-play solution, enabling banks, financial institutions and digital wallets to offer their customers the ability to transact and store cryptocurrencies seamlessly.

Federico Murrone
Founder and CEO of Lirium

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Uphold, a digital wallet and trading platform for crypto, fiat, and precious metals. Their Mastercard debit card - our longest-running card program- lets customers spend these assets directly.  

Simon McLoughlin 
CEO of Uphold

Uphold logo.

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

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