MasterCard has launched its second year of Start Path and is now calling for applications in Canada. Since 2014, Start Path has provided more than 60 startups a variety of operational support, mentorship and investment to develop the next generation of commerce solutions. The Start Path team encompasses entrepreneurs and technology experts looking to accelerate startups, and its partners include multi-national companies in banking, retail, telecom and digital sectors.
“Startups are actively experimenting with new solutions aimed at transforming the status-quo across a wide variety of industries including financial services, retail, and healthcare,” said Stephane Wyper, global lead of MasterCard Start Path. “We can provide critical support through operational expertise and access to a steady pipeline of customers, channels and partners. In just two years, Start Path Global has a strong record of helping startups transform innovations into sustainable business propositions.”
Start Path has seen success in Canada and is intensifying its search here as a continuing reminder of the innovation potential of the area. Start Path is currently working closely with Canadian startup Control.
L-R: Ian Walker (COO, Control), Ilana Messing (Director of Start Path at MasterCard), & Kathryn Loewen (CEO and Founder, Control)
A 2015 Start Path participant, Control, helps businesses understand and manage their online payments. Integrated with multiple global payment processors, Control delivers real-time payment analytics, customer intelligence and fraud tools to any device. Control is working to integrate MasterCard’s Simplify Commerce platform which would make it easier for Control’s clients to accept e-commerce and mobile commerce payments, regardless of payment brand, in a matter of minutes. This will help Control expand their offering to small business and merchants who do not always have the resources readily available to set up electronic payments acceptance.
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, and is seeking startups that are in market today or those that will soon launch their business, target a sizeable market opportunity in the commerce space, recently secured seed or series A investment and have a team of 5 or more. The application window to join the next class is open until Monday, March 21, 2016. The program is open to all non-US based startups.
Roman Potemkin, founder of UpUp, photo taken in Dublin 2015
How to Apply to Start Path Global:
- Submit your application at www.f6s.com/mastercardstartpathglobal2016 by 5 pm GMT on Monday, March 21, 2016
- Receive email confirmation of your application from the Start Path team
- The Start Path team will invite 20 companies to a Pitch Day in Toronto on May 11 and 12, 2016. 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.
- Eight companies will be provided with an offer to join the program.
- The program will kick off with an immersion week in June 2016 (location to be confirmed)
Start Path is holding two information sessions to walk interested groups through the application process. Register to attend.
- Wednesday, March 16, 9am GMT
- Wednesday March 16, 5pm GMT
