Mastercard Start Path
FinTech & InsurTech · Run by Mastercard · Purchase, NY
Every field is checked against a primary source where we can. How we verify.
The facts
All fields verified Oct 1, 2026- Terms model
- MixedA blend of the models above. Read the terms notes for the specifics.
- Investment
- Not publishedParticipation itself carries no stated fee or required equity; Mastercard says it has 'a dedicated fund to invest in startups, if and when a strategic fit is identified', hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. Selected startups take part in a virtual engagement program across nine tracks. 500+ startups in 60+ countries supported since 2014. DEADLINE: applications are submitted online at any time; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
- Equity taken
- Not publishedParticipation itself carries no stated fee or required equity; Mastercard says it has 'a dedicated fund to invest in startups, if and when a strategic fit is identified', hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. Selected startups take part in a virtual engagement program across nine tracks. 500+ startups in 60+ countries supported since 2014. DEADLINE: applications are submitted online at any time; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
- Program length
- 26 weeks
- Format
- Remote
- Location
- Purchase, NY
- Cohorts per year
- Not published
- Cohort size
- Not published
- Stage focus
- later-stage startups with a live, revenue-generating product that have raised investment (Seed, Series A or later)
- Sub-vertical
- payments / fintech (tracks: Agentic Commerce and Services, Acceptance, Blockchain and Digital Assets, Emerging and Consumer Tech, Open Finance, Small Business, Security Solutions, Corporate Solutions, Business and Market Insights)
- Demographic focus
- Not published
- Backers
- Mastercard
- Notable alumni
- Not published
Terms notes: Participation itself carries no stated fee or required equity; Mastercard says it has 'a dedicated fund to invest in startups, if and when a strategic fit is identified', hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. Selected startups take part in a virtual engagement program across nine tracks. 500+ startups in 60+ countries supported since 2014. DEADLINE: applications are submitted online at any time; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
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Terms in plain English
Mastercard Start Path is a roughly six month, virtual engagement program for later-stage fintechs, with nine tracks, including agentic commerce and services, blockchain and digital assets, and open finance. Participation carries no stated fee and no required equity. Mastercard says it has a dedicated fund that may invest in startups if and when a strategic fit is identified, but the program does not publish investment amounts. Since 2014 it has supported more than 500 startups in over 60 countries.
Who this is actually for
This fits later stage fintech, payments, and digital asset startups that want commercial partnerships and distribution through Mastercard's network rather than seed capital. It suits teams with a live product ready for enterprise pilots and global scaling.
Mastercard Start Path application deadlines
Rolling applications via online form: Rolling: applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Verified Oct 1, 2026Source
Frequently asked questions
- When is the next Mastercard Start Path application deadline?
- Mastercard Start Path accepts applications on a rolling basis, so there is no single fixed deadline.
- How much does Mastercard Start Path invest?
- Mastercard Start Path does not publish an investment amount, so we record it as not published.
- How much equity does Mastercard Start Path take?
- Mastercard Start Path does not publish the equity it takes, so we record it as not published.
- Where is Mastercard Start Path located and is it in person?
- Mastercard Start Path is based in Purchase, NY and runs a remote program.
- Is Mastercard Start Path still active?
- As of our last check on Oct 1, 2026, Mastercard Start Path is active.
Compare this program
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Sources
Everything above was checked against these, verified Oct 1, 2026.