Mastercard Start Path, the company’s renowned global startup engagement program, has unveiled its latest cohort of 11 trailblazing startups. These companies, hailing from different corners of the world, represent the cutting edge of financial technology, commerce innovation, and sustainable solutions. Their selection marks another bold step in Mastercard’s mission to accelerate transformative technologies, empower businesses, and promote environmentally conscious practices.
A Global Selection of Industry Disruptors
The startups in this cohort were carefully chosen through Mastercard’s rigorous global selection process. Each company demonstrated strong potential to reshape industries with expertise in critical areas such as:
- Card processing infrastructure
- AI-powered credit access
- Treasury management
- Digital commerce platforms
- Sustainable lifecycle management
Their collective innovations mirror two fast-growing trends: the evolution of fintech and the urgent push for sustainable business models. By collaborating with Mastercard, these startups will gain access to resources, expertise, and partnerships that can rapidly scale their solutions across markets.
Driving Sustainable Innovation
This cohort is unique not only for its technological focus but also for its commitment to sustainability. Mastercard has long emphasized its responsibility to support businesses building environmentally conscious solutions. Several startups in this group are advancing circular commerce, promoting responsible consumption, and creating new systems for waste-free product lifecycles.
By integrating sustainability into their core operations, these startups are not just building profitable businesses—they are laying the foundation for a greener and more responsible digital economy.
Meet the Mastercard Start Path Cohort
Here’s a closer look at the 11 startups transforming industries with bold, innovative ideas:
AraxaTech
AraxaTech delivers seamless integrations and zero-downtime migrations for issuers and processors. By eliminating the complexity and risks traditionally associated with migration, AraxaTech empowers financial institutions to transition effortlessly while maintaining operational stability.
Hyperlayer
Hyperlayer helps banks and enterprises leapfrog competitors by launching programmable financial products in weeks instead of years. Their technology accelerates digital transformation, allowing businesses to deliver flexible, customer-focused products at an unprecedented pace.
Kamina
Kamina uses AI to support financial institutions in preventing delinquency and expanding responsible credit access. The platform encourages healthy borrowing behavior while enabling institutions to reduce risks and increase financial inclusivity.
firmly
Firmly is an agentic commerce platform that allows customers to make purchases at their point of inspiration—whether on social media, a website, or another digital touchpoint. By removing the need for complex integrations, Firmly enables businesses to deliver frictionless, seamless shopping experiences.
amnis
Based in Zurich, amnis simplifies cross-border banking for mid-sized companies by consolidating international financial operations onto a single platform. By streamlining treasury management, amnis empowers businesses to operate globally with efficiency and confidence.
Qawn
Qawn is a chat-based banking solution designed for the Middle East. It allows users to exchange value and manage transactions through a conversational interface, creating an intuitive and culturally relevant digital banking experience.
MoovnPay
MoovnPay, powered by Moovn Technologies, is redefining how people move, pay, and shop online. By integrating multiple platforms into one seamless ecosystem, it enhances digital lifestyles and drives efficiency across payments and mobility.
Save Your Wardrobe
This platform provides customizable tech infrastructure for after-sale services. Brands can design, test, and scale services that extend product lifecycles, encouraging consumers to move beyond one-time transactions and embrace sustainable fashion.
Pentatonic
Pentatonic introduces an AI-native solution that enables brands to own their secondhand market. Through automated buybacks, resale, repair, and recycling, Pentatonic helps companies build a loyalty flywheel while advancing waste-free product lifecycles.
Circulae
Circulae integrates automated resale services directly into payment systems. By allowing consumers to easily resell items, the platform restores purchasing power, reduces waste, and promotes responsible consumption habits.
Circulayo
Circulayo is revolutionizing reusable packaging systems. By linking deposits, refunds, and rewards directly to financial touchpoints, the platform makes circular packaging convenient while providing real-time insights into environmental impact.
Why Mastercard’s Start Path Matters
Since its inception, Mastercard Start Path has been more than just a startup accelerator. It has become a launchpad for fintech disruptors, providing them with mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and global reach. Over the years, hundreds of startups have joined the program, with many going on to secure significant funding, form strategic partnerships, and scale globally.
The inclusion of sustainability-focused companies in this year’s cohort underscores Mastercard’s recognition that financial innovation and environmental responsibility are deeply intertwined. Today’s consumers expect brands to not only deliver convenience and efficiency but also act responsibly towards the planet.
Benefits for Startups in the Cohort
Joining Start Path provides startups with:
- Access to Mastercard’s global network of partners, banks, and merchants.
- Technical support and mentorship to refine and scale their solutions.
- Opportunities for co-innovation, allowing them to pilot their technologies with Mastercard and its partners.
- Global exposure, positioning them as leaders in their respective fields.
The Bigger Picture: Fintech and Sustainability
The fintech sector is experiencing a rapid transformation driven by AI, digital commerce, and sustainability. This cohort reflects the convergence of these forces:
- AI-powered credit and treasury solutions are reshaping financial inclusivity.
- Frictionless commerce is creating new ways for consumers to interact with businesses.
- Circular economy models are embedding sustainability into everyday financial interactions.
Mastercard’s proactive engagement ensures these innovations don’t remain siloed but instead scale globally to create meaningful impact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Mastercard Start Path?
Mastercard Start Path is a global startup engagement program that supports innovative companies with mentorship, resources, and access to Mastercard’s vast partner network to accelerate growth.
How many startups were selected in the latest cohort?
A total of 11 startups from around the world have been chosen for the new Mastercard Start Path cohort.
What types of startups are included in this cohort?
The cohort includes fintech innovators in areas like card processing, AI-driven credit, treasury management, and digital commerce, as well as sustainability-focused companies advancing circular commerce and eco-friendly solutions.
Why is sustainability important in this cohort?
Mastercard emphasizes environmentally conscious practices, selecting startups that promote circular economies, reusable packaging, resale services, and waste-free product lifecycles.
Which industries will benefit from these startups?
Industries such as banking, retail, e-commerce, mobility, fashion, and sustainability will benefit from the groundbreaking solutions developed by these startups.
How does Mastercard support these startups?
Start Path provides startups with global exposure, technical mentorship, collaboration opportunities, and the ability to test and scale solutions through Mastercard’s ecosystem.
How does this program impact consumers?
Consumers gain access to more inclusive financial tools, seamless shopping and payment experiences, and sustainable solutions that encourage responsible consumption.
Conclusion
The 2025 Mastercard Start Path cohort demonstrates how innovation, technology, and sustainability can come together to shape the future of global commerce. By selecting 11 trailblazing startups, Mastercard is not only accelerating the next wave of fintech disruptors but also fostering solutions that promote environmental responsibility and long-term economic growth. From AI-powered financial access to circular economy models, these companies reflect the changing priorities of businesses and consumers alike.
