peekpublishersTLDR:
Mastercard’s Start Path program, led by Sabrina Tharani, focuses on supporting fintech founders through radical collaboration. The program has helped over 380 companies across 54 countries, with a particular emphasis on under-represented founders. By providing access to strategic partnerships, co-innovation opportunities, and global networks, Mastercard aims to fuel growth and create more inclusive economies. Success is measured by the number of commercial deals signed and the impact on the fintech ecosystem.
Exclusive: “The Hard Yards” – Sabrina Tharani, Mastercard in ‘The Fintech Magazine’
Mastercard’s Start Path program, led by Sabrina Tharani, has been supporting fintech founders for a decade through radical collaboration. The program has helped over 380 companies across 54 countries, with a focus on under-represented founders. By providing access to strategic partnerships, co-innovation opportunities, and global networks, Mastercard aims to fuel growth and create more inclusive economies. Success is measured by the number of commercial deals signed and the impact on the fintech ecosystem.
At a time of tight squeeze on fintech investment, Mastercard’s Start Path program provides valuable support to startups and scaleups. The program has evolved to target specific categories of under-represented founders, such as female and minority entrepreneurs. The emphasis is on radical collaboration and solving global challenges, rather than just selling services. Transparency, trust, and a focus on problem-solving are key components of successful partnerships.
The advantages for companies selected for Start Path, ranging from seed to Series B, are immense. They gain access to Mastercard’s technology, product teams, regulatory experts, and global network. Success is measured by the number of commercial deals signed with fintechs over the course of a year, as well as the impact on the wider fintech ecosystem. The program is not just about innovation theatre but tangible projects and partnerships that drive growth and innovation in the industry. Overall, the goal is to bring more people into the financial economy through meaningful collaboration.
