- Mastercard Start Path Global Startups Forecast a Fintech Future
- Applications currently being accepted for Start Path Global 2017 summer class
Today, Mastercard announced opening door for startups applications to Start Path Global program – the company’s global initiative to support innovative later-stage startups who are reshaping the future of commerce.
The program is open to startups across all regions who are rethinking banking and payments and have raised a significant seed or Series A round of investment.
“Fintech startups are reaching beyond conventional approaches to technology to lead the financial services industry towards a digital future. Their innovation-driven culture and proactive approach to enhancing customer choice and experience are forcing many established players in the banking industry to rethink the way they do business and interact with customers,” said Girish Nanda, General Manager – UAE, Mastercard. “Mastercard’s Start Path program has met with considerable success in the MEA region. Through this unique program, we are helping support the growth and development of the next generation of fintechs by connecting them to secure financial networks and processes to create an even more rewarding and seamless commerce experience.”
Among the startups joining Start Path’s 2017 spring wave, a few are focused on artificial intelligence (AI), using it to analyze consumer behavior, enhance in-store or in-branch customer engagement, and compute bill and payment data, driving a variety of retail innovations, while others have developed solutions that extend retail access to consumers through point of sale innovations. Of the startups based in Middle East and Africa, NetPlusDotCom enables retailers to transition from ‘bricks’ to ‘clicks’ and support their customers with digital payments capabilities.
Applications Now Open for Summer 2017 Class
Mastercard also opened the application period for its 2017 Start Path summer class, to be comprised of later-stage startups. Entries are open to startups in all regions.
Applications for the six-month virtual program are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications to join the next wave will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. EST on Sunday, April 23, 2017. Interested startups can visit www.startpath.com to submit an application.
