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 Jul 22, 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, but Mastercard 'may take an option to invest in some selected startups' (not guaranteed), hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. 500+ startups from 60+ countries since 2014; $25B+ raised post-program. DEADLINE: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis via online form; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
- Equity taken
- Not publishedParticipation itself carries no stated fee or required equity, but Mastercard 'may take an option to invest in some selected startups' (not guaranteed), hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. 500+ startups from 60+ countries since 2014; $25B+ raised post-program. DEADLINE: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis via online form; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
- Program length
- 26 weeks
- Format
- Hybrid
- Location
- Purchase, NY
- Cohorts per year
- Not published
- Cohort size
- Not published
- Stage focus
- post-product startups, typically Series A+ depending on track
- Sub-vertical
- payments / fintech (multiple tracks: Emerging Fintech, Acceptance, Blockchain & Digital Assets, Open Finance, Small Business, Security)
- Demographic focus
- Not published
- Backers
- Mastercard
- Notable alumni
- Not published
Terms notes: Participation itself carries no stated fee or required equity, but Mastercard 'may take an option to invest in some selected startups' (not guaranteed), hence terms_model mixed and amounts null. Global program; city/state are Mastercard's US HQ. 500+ startups from 60+ countries since 2014; $25B+ raised post-program. DEADLINE: Applications accepted on an ongoing basis via online form; no fixed deadline published, so next_deadline null.
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Terms in plain English
Mastercard Start Path is a roughly six month engagement program with six specialized tracks, including emerging fintech, blockchain and digital assets, and open finance. Participation carries no stated fee and no required equity. Mastercard says it may take an option to invest in some selected startups, but states that investment is not the aim of the program and is not guaranteed. The program does not publish investment amounts. Since 2014 it has supported more than 500 startups from over 60 countries, which have raised an estimated $25 billion or more after the program.
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 date not recordedSource
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 hybrid program.
- Is Mastercard Start Path still active?
- As of our last check on Jul 22, 2026, Mastercard Start Path is active.
Compare this program
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Sources
Everything above was checked against these, verified Jul 22, 2026.