Mastercard has announced the addition of five new startups to its Start Path program, an initiative focused on engaging with promising firms in blockchain and digital assets. The selection followed a competitive global application process, with the chosen startups now gaining access to Mastercard’s resources, expertise, and potential funding opportunities.
The program offers participants a range of benefits, including connections to Mastercard’s extensive global network, access to its fintech solutions, opportunities for collaboration with its customers and partners, and dedicated support from internal teams. In some cases, startups may also be considered for investment through Mastercard’s dedicated fund for emerging companies.
Introducing the New Cohort
The latest cohort features a diverse set of startups targeting different aspects of the digital asset economy. Nomyx provides a no-code tokenization platform designed for fund managers and financial institutions, enabling them to launch, manage, and trade real-world assets seamlessly. Keyrails works on bridging merchants with the global financial system, offering solutions that eliminate the need for new licenses or banking infrastructure.
Plume is focused on building a blockchain tailored for real-world asset finance, allowing the tokenization, trading, and usage of real-world assets directly on chain. Borderless.xyz provides a global execution network that facilitates stablecoin transactions across jurisdictions. Meanwhile, Nominis specializes in blockchain investigations and compliance, offering a real-time know-your-transaction (KYT) platform that enhances transparency and security.
Mastercard’s Commitment to Digital Assets
The company emphasized that the digital assets industry has experienced major shifts in 2025, with growing regulatory clarity, broader adoption, and increased institutional engagement. In response, Mastercard reaffirmed its commitment to creating a trusted and interoperable foundation for digital commerce. Its focus includes real-world applications such as tokenized payments, stablecoin settlement, and identity-verified blockchain transactions, reflecting its belief in the long-term potential of blockchain innovation.
Legacy of the Start Path Program
Start Path has been a key element of Mastercard’s strategy since its launch in 2014. Over the past decade, the program has supported more than 500 startups across 55 countries, facilitating over 15,000 connections globally. According to Mastercard, participating startups have collectively raised more than $25 billion in capital following their involvement in the program, underscoring the scale of its impact on fintech innovation.
The selection process for each cohort is based on multiple criteria. Mastercard seeks companies with proven solutions that align strategically with its business, founders with strong backgrounds and a clear vision for growth, and products that are already in the market generating revenue. These requirements ensure that only startups with demonstrated potential for scale are included in the initiative.
Expanding to Blockchain and Crypto
Recognizing the growing importance of digital assets, Mastercard introduced a dedicated arm of the Start Path program in July 2021 to focus on blockchain, cryptocurrency, and related technologies. The inclusion of the latest five companies builds on this effort, highlighting Mastercard’s intention to nurture innovative solutions that support the evolving digital economy.
With this expansion, the Start Path program continues to serve as a bridge between early-stage innovators and Mastercard’s global ecosystem, fostering collaboration aimed at shaping the future of payments and digital commerce.