Mastercard dives deeper into crypto and blockchain partnerships with its Fintech Innovation Program as new startups are added.
MasterCard’s global accelerator program helps applicants from over 1,500 startup programs annually. It has helped 350 startups raise $3 billion in funding. In addition, the world’s leading payments technology company has announced inviting seven new startups into its Global Start Path accelerator.
Start Path Started It All, 1500 Applications Already
Since its creation, MasterCard Start Path has received more than 1500 applications per annum and has helped more than 350 companies raise over $3.5B in funding.
Only successful applicants are accepted into Mastercard’s fintech program, which provides them with “growth-essential opportunities” to collaborate, get mentored, and tap Mastercard’s established relationships and clients to innovate faster.
This year’s cohort includes seven startups from five countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They have web 3 payment service provider Loot Bolt, crypto privacy and compliance platform Quadrata, and an app that helps brands personalize their customer experiences through blockchain technology.
The rest of this month’s intake comes from Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, and Japan.
Bringing together various companies from different fields within cryptocurrency, MasterCard’s Start Path initiative aims to catalyze innovation in the blockchain sector and accelerate the integration of Web 3 technologies into traditional financial services.
Mastercard Is Not Alone
Mastercard isn’t the only company trying to speed up the adoption of cryptocurrencies by investing in startups. Other companies include PayPal, Visa, and American Express.
As part of its plan to expand into Europe, Binance has invested $100 million in France. The company’s new research and development hub in Paris will be called “The Objective Moon.” It will focus on developing decentralized applications for the Binance Chain platform.
CZ, the founder of Binance, recently praised France for its pro-crypto regulations and announced that his company had acquired space at Station F, the world’s most giant startup incubator. Station F is located in Paris, where Microsoft, Google, and others are listed as tenants.
The startup gets accessible accommodations, access to various services, and access to technical support and helps from Binance’s staff and partners. We expect even more startups to be added to the Mastercard Fintech Innovation Program in the coming months.