Advancing security innovation to safeguard trust
in a digital world.
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.
Areas of focus
Cybersecurity
Digital identity
Risk & compliance
Financial crime
Post purchase experience
Fraud detection
Our startups benefit from:
Rapid path to scale
Startups leverage our global network, partnerships and fintech solutions on their journey to scale.
Dedicated support
Our team is dedicated to creating a pipeline that is unique and relevant to each company.
Channels + customers
Start Path gives startups access to thousands of our customers and partners around the world.
Potential investment
We have a dedicated fund to invest in startups, if and when a strategic fit is identified.
Community
Connect with fintech startups via media, events and demo days and reach hundreds of Mastercard colleagues and customers.
Events
Join the Start Path team at industry and Mastercard events.
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.
Step 2
Mastercard evaluates your application.
Step 3
Potential candidates are invited to share more about their solutions with our relevant product teams.
Step 4
Selected startups take part in a virtual engagement program.
Portfolio spotlight
Shield IoT secures mass-scale edge networks, providing merchants with visibility, threat management and compliance for their cellular-based payment devices.
Udi Solomon
Founder and CEO of Shield IoT
VanishID helps enterprise security teams protect their employees by finding and removing exposed personal data publicly accessible online.
Matt Polak
Founder and CEO of VanishID
Spec invisibly monitors the entire customer journey during a digital transaction to help brands detect and stop fraud, bots and abuse in real time and on a global scale.
Nate Kharrl
Co-founder and CEO of Spec
You’ve got the vision. We’ve got the global network to accelerate it.