Mastercard Start Path

Mastercard Start Path is a distinguished global startup engagement program, established by Mastercard in 2014, rather than a traditional venture capital investment fund. Its core mission is to foster strategic commercial partnerships with later-stage startups, enabling them to co-create and scale innovative solutions within the payments, commerce, and financial technology ecosystems. A key differentiator of Start Path is its non-dilutive model: the program explicitly states that it does not take equity from participating companies, nor does it charge any fees for participation. This approach allows startups to retain full ownership while leveraging Mastercard's extensive resources.

The program offers unparalleled access to Mastercard's global network, including its customers, partners, and internal experts, alongside its vast technology infrastructure and proprietary data. Startups benefit from tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and opportunities to pilot and integrate their solutions directly with Mastercard's offerings. This collaborative environment is designed to accelerate product development, facilitate market entry, and drive commercialization for innovative companies spanning areas like fintech, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital commerce.

Since its inception, Mastercard Start Path has engaged with over 300 startups from across the globe, facilitating numerous successful collaborations and commercial agreements. Many alumni companies have gone on to achieve significant milestones, including substantial funding rounds and successful exits, often attributing their growth to the strategic partnerships forged through the program. Start Path operates on a cohort basis, providing a customized six-month engagement designed to meet the specific needs and growth objectives of each selected startup, thereby strengthening the broader digital economy through impactful innovation.