US-based payment services company MasterCard has launched Start Path, an accelerator that will offer startups individual mentoring, technology solution support and the opportunity to test their products with global companies.
MasterCard will choose up to eight European startups for the Dublin-based accelerator, which is partnering with companies including online fashion retailer ASOS and financial company Capital One.
Start Path’s team will collaborate with each startup to ensure their vision is understood, by creating a custom approach to overcoming challenges. There will be a strong commercial focus on the individual start-ups with the aim to raise series A funding at the end of the programme.
The startups will participate in a year-long onsite and virtual programme that will start in late July. Applications for Start Path close on May 16.
Stephane Wyper, Start Path global lead for MasterCard, said: “The future of commerce will be shaped both by traditional players and by startups that are already experimenting with the next generation of solutions. We are giving these startups direct access to our extensive knowledge and experience, to help them uncover new ideas, and ultimately create better experiences for consumers, merchants and other partners.”