Mastercard Launches Start Path Cohort for Open Banking and SMB Fintechs

On January 24, 2024, Mastercard announced the latest cohort of its Start Path program, selecting 15 fintech startups focused on small business empowerment and open banking innovation. The program provides startups with direct collaboration opportunities alongside Mastercard to refine their technologies, scale their solutions, and tackle real-world challenges in financial services. Mastercard contributes its global network, brand credibility, and technical resources, while the startups bring specialized innovations in open banking and SMB-focused financial tools.

The initiative is part of Mastercard's broader strategy to foster embedded finance capabilities and strengthen its ecosystem through fintech partnerships. No specific financial terms for the program were disclosed. The cohort reflects growing industry momentum around open banking, particularly as regulatory developments like the CFPB's open banking proposals reshape the landscape in the US and globally.