MasterCard Start Path on a Mission to Engage Best Startups from Middle East and Africa

AMMAN, Jordan - March 13, 2016 - PRLog -- driving a need to bring new ideas to market with greater speed. The right corporate-startup partnership gives startups an accelerated path to scale innovative solutions.

The MasterCard Start Path Global program has been designed with that objective in mind and has launched a call for applications across the globe. 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.

Start Path has seen success in the MEA region and is intensifying its search as a continuing reminder of the innovation potential of local startups. In MEA, the program is currently working closely with several startups including Saida (http://www.getsaida.com/), which has developed an app that uses the data on the customers' smartphones to underwrite loans to them in minutes. The app just launched in Kenya and has been instrumental in providing over 16,000 loans.

"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 built a strong record of helping startups transform innovations into sustainable business propositions."

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. The application window to join the next class is open until Monday, March 21, 2016. To apply, visit: www.startpath.com. The program is open to all non-US based startups.

How to Apply to Start Path Global:

1.       Submit your application atwww.f6s.com/mastercardstartpathglobal2016by 5pm GMT on Monday, March 21, 2016

2.       Receive email confirmation of your application from the Start Path team

o   For some companies, the Start Path team will contact you for a call to further discuss your application.

3.       The Start Path team will invite 20 companies to a Pitch Day in Toronto on May 11 and 12, 2016

o   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.

4.       Eight companies will be provided with an offer to join the program.

5.       The program will kick off with an immersion week in June 2016 (location to be confirmed)

Two information sessions will be held to walk interested groups through the application process:

·         Wednesday, March 16, 9am GMT

·         Wednesday, March 16, 5pm GMT

To register, please click here: www.startpathglobal.youcanbook.me

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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 2014 with an objective to help early stage startups partnering with each startup to grow their businesses faster than they could by themselves. 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 (https://twitter.com/MAstartpath).

About MasterCard

MasterCard (http://www.mastercard.com/index.html) , 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 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 (https://twitter.com/#!/MasterCardNews), join the discussion on theBeyond the Transaction Blog (http://newsroom.mastercard.com/blog/) and subscribe (http://newsroom.mastercard.com/subscribe/) for the latest news (http://newsroom.mastercard.com/).