Fintech
“Mastercard For Fintechs”, launched to support the dynamic fintech ecosystem in Western Europe
June 5, 2024
The new program for Western Europe will help fintechs thrive
Mastercard today announced the launch of ‘Mastercard for fintechs‘, the company’s new program designed to support fintechs across Western Europe, equipping them with the tools and skills to drive continued growth and push them to the next level.
“Mastercard For Fintechs” was designed by Mastercard in response to the challenging fundraising environment fintechs have faced recently, offering them valuable support and opportunities to continue on their path to sustainable growth and profitability. As the network partner of choice for fintechs1, Mastercard’s collaboration with fintechs offers unique education, expertise, networking and tools to help them thrive.
“At Mastercard, partnership is a part of our DNA, critical to defining how the company innovates for the future and creates meaningful, sustainable impact for society. Our world-class programs drive innovation, accelerate growth, and simplify program launches. Our digital tools are designed to support fintechs in every niche and at every stage of growth. We are thrilled to see fintechs join this inaugural program from across Western Europe,” says Eimear Creaven, president of Western Europe Mastercard division.
The “Mastercard For Fintechs” program offers exclusive access to Mastercard’s dedicated fintech learning platform, participation in a series of fintech events across Western European countries and the opportunity to compete for the chance to win €50,000.
The competition is aimed at fintechs in the pre-seed, seed or series A investment phase, which have implemented a tangible solution in at least one of the following European countries – Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal – in i payments sectors, Web3 and blockchain, new payment flows, banks and SMEs, integrated finance and/or sustainable technology.
After an initial selection, participants in the European competition will take part in four local competitions taking place from June to October in Paris, Madrid, Milan and Amsterdam2, with eight fintechs competing in each city, from which two local winners will be selected.
The eight local winners will then compete in the final event, which will take place in Paris at the end of the year.
Fintechs will be required to present their projects in front of a jury composed of Mastercard members and external partners, followed by a question and answer session, where each project will be evaluated based on the team’s skills, the innovation of the project, along with its financial health, long-term viability, scalability potential, and strategic fit with Mastercard.
The winner of the final event will receive a prize consisting of €50,000 in marketing support, including access to Mastercard’s sponsorship resources, fast access to The journey begins final program selection day and mentoring support from ecosystem experts and founders.
Mastercard Start Path has partnered with more than 380 fintechs from 54 countries, with more than 10 unicorns emerging from the program, including Revolut, Razorpay and Airwallet. In 2023 alone, around 50 commercial agreements were concluded with Mastercard and its customers.
Applications are now open. For further information or to apply visit: https://mastercard.com/mastercardforfintechs