Mastercard, a leading technology company in the global payments has commenced a startup engagement program named Start Path Global in order to drive new businesses forward and it is launching a call for application for its 2016 class.
Start Path is an integral part of Mastercard’s broader startup engagement effort that is focused on partnering with the best startups to collaborate and create new experiences for its customers, business partners, and the broader financial industry.
It was established in 2014 as a way for Mastercard to work directly with global startups building innovative solutions covering everything from block chain to artificial intelligence and chat bots. Over the last two years, Start Path has worked with over 90 companies across 24 countries.
According to the Vice President and Area Head West Africa,Omoke Adebanjo, “In 2014 we wanted to look beyond Mastercard and support innovation that was being developed by new and upcoming, early-stage companies”
“We believe every startup is unique and that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to working together and with Nigeria becoming known as Africa’s Silicon Valley we are positioned to see great startups come out of this effort. We have put in place different mechanisms including pilots with Mastercard business lines, access to our APIs, and connectivity to our customer base and partner networks,” she said.
Reports say the Start Path is intensifying its search in Nigeria because of the vibrant startup community. The objective of the program is stay close to innovations that are coming out of Nigeria and to drive success for the early-stage companies that are working on next-generation commerce technologies. The six-month, virtual program will help startups from the region tackle business problems and introduce them to new opportunities around the globe.
Meanwhile, the startup community in Africa has been maturing steadily and the region has been churning out some interesting ideas and significant success stories.
In addition, each quarter, Mastercard Start Path recruits a new class of startups to embark on the six-month virtual program. The program is currently accepting applications for its next class. The application window to join the next class is open until Thursday, October 11, 2016.
To apply, visit: www.startpath.com. The program is open to all non-US based startups.
How to Apply to Start Path Global:
- Submit your application at
https://www.f6s.com/mastercardstartpathwinter2016/ by 5 pm GMT on Thursday, October 11, 2016
2. Receive email confirmation of your application from the Start Path team o For some companies, the Start Path team will contact you for a call to further discuss your application.
- The Start Path team will invite 12 companies to a Pitch Day in Miami on November 30, 2016 and December 1, 2016 o The Pitch Day is an opportunity not only to pitch for selection into the program, but also to meet with big-brand partners of the program.
- Between 5 and 7 companies will be provided with an offer to join the program.
- The program will kick off with an immersion week in January 2017.
- Three information sessions will be held to walk interested groups through the application process:
Twitter Chat on Friday September 30th, 9.30am SGT (GMT+8) –follow @MAStartPath & #StartPathGlobal for a Twitter Q&A and chat with existing startups on the program o Webinars on Thursday October 6th at 8.30 am GMT and 4.30 pm GMT – To register, please click: https://startpathglobal.youcanbook.me/
