Mastercard has announced the selection of five startups to participate in its Start Path program, aimed at developing innovative solutions based on blockchain and digital assets. This initiative will help the startups explore new ways to utilize blockchain technology to address current issues and enhance user experience.
The Start Path program, launched by Mastercard, provides participants with access to specialized training, mentorship, and the company’s extensive network of clients and channels. Since its inception in 2014, Mastercard has supported over 400 startups from 54 countries.
Selected Startups:
- Kulipa (France): Facilitates the issuance of cryptocurrency payment cards for digital wallets.
- Parfin (UK): Develops software for financial institutions to help them adapt to blockchain.
- Peaq (Singapore): Provides seamless and boundless digital infrastructure for real-world applications.
- Triangle (USA): Creates a data platform integrating climate data with financial data for sustainable development.
- Venly (Belgium): Simplifies blockchain integration for developers and businesses.
Mastercard has also highlighted its expertise in building a global payment network and its ability to combine regulated money, bank deposits, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) with the efforts of startups. This collaboration aims to develop new solutions that enhance the user experience in digital commerce.
Additional Initiatives by Mastercard:
Alongside this program, Mastercard is actively exploring new models for global card issuance using stablecoins and “low-cost fast chains.” The company has also completed the first live test of its Multi-Token Network (MTN) in collaboration with Standard Chartered Bank Hong Kong.
