MasterCard Announces New Opportunity for European Startups

Europe, Ireland

Applications now being accepted for MasterCard Start Path Europe

22/01/2015 — DUBLIN — (BUSINESS WIRE)

MasterCard is inviting innovative startups from across Europe to apply for the next edition of Start Path Europe. The program focuses on providing startups with the support and expertise needed to overcome key challenges and grow their businesses.

The Start Path Europe program is a 12-month effort providing startups with customized support to solve specific priorities for each company. Participating startups receive mentorship from a global pool of MasterCard experts, introductions to MasterCard partners to explore pilot opportunities, and the ability to leverage existing MasterCard solutions.

“Start Path Europe is unique, because we tailor the support to match the individual needs of a startup, rather than applying a ‘one size fits all’ approach,” said Stephane Wyper, Global Lead of MasterCard Start Path. “Our goal is the success of each startup and helping them grow faster than they could on their own.”

MasterCard welcomed the inaugural Start Path Europe class in 2014, which consisted of companies chosen from applicants from more than 30 countries; Ridango, Zencard, Xpreso, Instabank, MePin, and Storee.

“Start Path Europe has been hugely beneficial for Xpreso,” said Simon Pleass, co-founder and CEO of Xpreso. “With MasterCard’s support, we have engaged with a number of large organisations about commercial opportunities and accelerated our sales pipeline.”

Up to eight companies from across Europe will be selected to participate in the 12-month hybrid onsite and virtual program that will launch in April 2015. Start Path is open to companies working across the commerce space. Full eligibility details and the online application are available at add www.f6s.com/mastercardstartpath. The deadline to apply is February 19.

For more information about MasterCard Start Path visit www.startpath.com or follow us on Twitter@MAstartpath.

About MasterCard Start Path

MasterCard Start Path is a global effort to support innovative early stage startups developing the next generation of commerce solutions today.

Start Path was launched at the end of 2013 with an objective to help early stage startups succeed by leveraging a variety of options to work together. Startups can benefit from the knowledge of a global network of MasterCard experts, access to MasterCard customers and partners, and the ability to innovate on top of MasterCard solutions.

For more information visit www.startpath.com or follow MasterCard Start Path on Twitter at @MAstartpath.

About MasterCard

MasterCard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world’s fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard’s products and solutions make everyday commerce activities – such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances – easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MasterCardNews, join the discussion on the Cashless Conversations Blog and subscribe for the latest news.

 

CONTACT:

Media:
MasterCard
Amanda Gioia, 636-722-6736
Amanda_Gioia@MasterCard.com
or
Rose Beaumont, +44 (0)20 7557 5199
Rose_Beaumont@mastercard.com

KEYWORDS:   Europe  Ireland

INDUSTRY KEYWORDS:   Technology  Other Technology  Small Business  Professional Services  Banking  Finance

MEDIA:

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How MasterCard Start Path Europe Works (Graphic: Business Wire)