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PARTNER WITH US | Start path

Powerful Partnerships For Scale

Start Path is Mastercard’s award-winning startup engagement program providing global support for fintechs.

Close up of two women working together.

Start Path has supported fintechs since 2014 

440+

startups

55+

countries

$25b+

raised in post-program capital

15,000+

brokered global connections

How it works

Step 1

Apply online

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

Start Path 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.

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.

A suite of programs to help fintechs scale

Start Path drives strategic partnerships, co-innovation opportunities and engagement between fintechs and Mastercard's global ecosystem.

Acceptance

Building the future of new and innovative payment acceptance experiences.

Apply

Blockchain & digital assets

Expanding and accelerating digital asset innovation.

Apply

Emerging fintech & climate

Building the next generation of payment, fintech and climate solutions.

Apply

In solidarity

Supporting underrepresented founders in the US.

Open finance

Unlocking data and financial infrastructures.

Apply

Small business

Empowering small businesses everywhere.

Apply

Security solutions

Enhancing security and trust across all digital interactions.

Apply

Get in touch

If you are a Mastercard customer get in touch to find out how you can become a 
corporate member.

Get in touch