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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Mastercard built its business success on a base of strong technology and strong partnerships. The Lighthouse FINITIV Program is one of the ways that Mastercard scouts for new technology partnerships for itself and its partners. Through partnering with innovative technology companies, together we can further strengthen the financial ecosystem in Nordics and Baltics and continue to lead in digital solutions.

Startups that operate within the Nordics and Baltics or are looking to enter those markets. The Spring program takes place in Demark, Norway and one of the Baltic countries. The Fall program takes place in Sweden, Finland and one of the Baltic countries. Participants who are not based in one of the aforementioned countries might need to travel for some of the program elements.

Mastercard wants to do well by doing good. This happens when the company advances sustainable, equitable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. Mastercard Nordics & Baltics plays a role in the firm’s global inclusion and sustainability strategy.

Yes. The Lighthouse MASSIV advisory board consists of executives and experts from a wide variety of backgrounds, and will support companies focused on making the world more prosperous and secure for all. Mastercard also has a long history of working outside financial services. For more on this,  see the Mastercard Impact Report: Mastercard’s Environmental and Social Impact | Mastercard Global

Startups that are based in the Nordics or Baltics and that can join us in Stockholm for the in-person program workshops. We are mostly looking for startups that want to expand globally and are ready to scale.

Startups can submit their application throughout the year through Dealum and finalize or update their application data during the application period. Typically, the application period for Spring edition is from November until February and for the Fall edition from May to August. To apply to the program, please visit the Apply now page.

We are looking for established companies with market fit, either Pre-Seed, Seed stage or early Series A.

Through the Apply now page.

The Lighthouse team will contact you after the application deadline, for the Spring programs this is in February, for the Fall program this is in August. We will review all the applications and announce the participants through an official press release.

Lighthouse Spring edition runs from March to June, the Fall edition runs September to December and consists of three core workshops with continuous support. After the first workshop, partners and startups will determine which potential partnerships will be pursued. This will largely determine the time and effort needed from the participants.

Three finalist companies from MASSIV and FINITIV side will be invited to Mastercard Finale event, that typically is held at Latitude59 for Spring program and Slush for Fall program. The program winner will receive an opportunity to apply to pitch to be part of Mastercard’s StartPath Program and receives a 1year free membership to Growth Minds, the fastest growing executive and founder community in the region.
By participating in Lighthouse, you become part of our alumni network, which remains active through ongoing communication, meetups and support. 

Yes, the company that makes the biggest partnership strides will be selected as the overall winner. There will be a winner selected for both programs. Our evaluation takes also in consideration innovation, feasibility and impact of the company and its service. 

No, Lighthouse is completely free of charge to the participating companies. During the program, you will be able to meet various investors, however the terms will be only between the startup and the investor. Participants are never obligated to accept funding or dilute their equity position.