Mastercard Start Path Fund

Mastercard's Start Path program is a global initiative designed to support innovative fintech startups and help them scale their solutions. Since its inception in 2014, Start Path has supported over 300 startups, many of which have reached significant milestones like public market entry and unicorn status. The program offers a six-month engagement period where selected startups receive dedicated support, mentorship, access to Mastercard's technology, expertise, and customer network. This enables them to innovate and scale rapidly. Start Path focuses on a broad range of fintech areas, including digital payments, financial inclusion, and small business solutions. Notable recent participants include companies like Carry1st, which leverages mobile technology to bridge the digital divide in Africa; FISPAN, which integrates business banking services into ERP systems; and Lendio, which provides small business financing solutions. The program also has a dedicated track for early-stage startups led by underrepresented founders, aiming to close the racial wealth gap and foster diversity in fintech. For startups looking to join, Mastercard offers various pathways through Start Path, including opportunities for late-stage fintech innovators and the In Solidarity track for early-stage startups. The initiative is part of Mastercard’s broader commitment to driving financial inclusion and leveraging technology to create a more inclusive digital economy.