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FOR STARTUPS

Small business

Partnering with startups to scale solutions that drive 
simple, smart, and secure digital experiences for small businesses globally

A man and a woman are seated at a desk in an office, working intently on a laptop.

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

Cash flow management

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Alternative distribution 
verticals 

An AI driven social media content moderation system detecting inappropriate content and flagging posts for review

Automated underwriting

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Commercial acceptance

A person is using a smartphone with a credit card shown on the display, representing mobile banking or shopping.

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

Future-proofs B2B platforms with innovative lending infrastructure solutions, empowering fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) to enhance SME access to credit for sustainable and inclusive growth. 

Madou Sylla
Co-founder and CEO of Prime Dash

Prime Dash logo.

Uplinq is a credit decisioning support platform for SMB lenders, leveraging billions of alternative and traditional data sets to enhance underwriting decisions. It complements existing credit evaluation processes, helping lenders make more informed decisions within their current risk frameworks.

Ron Benegbi
Co- founder and CEO of Uplinq

Uplinq logo.

Freely enables restaurants to use their credit card as a working capital tool, while allowing vendors to earn cash back for accepting credit card transactions.

 

 

Ahmed Nawash
Founder and CEO of Freely

Freely logo

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

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