Denis Opudo
Start Path program is back again after a successful operation in the past years in Africa. The program organized curtsy of Mastercard targets Nigerian fintech startups. The program offers support to the innovative startups that are changing the future of commerce at their latter stages. The startups should also have an idea of changing the old payment and banking methods. They should also have raised a reasonable Series A round or seed of investment.
Startups will be able to showcase their business ideas to the Start Path jury of judges. This will take place in Lagos on 9th April 2018. The shortlisted startups will present at Mastercard’s Innovation Dialogue event. The presentation by the shortlisted startups will be on 10th April 2018. The audience will have renowned business leaders and other players in the fintech world.
The six-month program will see startup get the required operation support and investment. Furthermore, they will get mentorship program from Start Path. This will help startups in their urge of coming up with new commerce solutions. They will also use the opportunity to improve their operations. Furthermore, the companies will gain from the knowledgeable Mastercard experts. They will also benefit from the Mastercard partners and customers. This includes the retail, global corporate brands promoting banking. The selected startups will be able to benefit from various Mastercard solutions.
Many Nigerian startups have benefited from the program. Flutterwave and NetPlus have been successful due to the support they got from Start Path. NetPlus became the first ever African startup to be shortlisted for the Mastercard Start Path program in 2016. Since then the startup has partnered with Mastercard to come up with a secure e-commerce solution. The solutions tend to do away with the need of carrying cash while making online purchasing.
Moreover, Flutterwave took part in the 2016 program. Flutterwave uses the ground-breaking digital payment technology to help in the growth of businesses and banks all over Africa. The two startups proved that there is vast talent in Africa that only needs to be taped and used well. Furthermore, African startups are in a position to put the continent on another e-commerce map globally. Applications for the 2018 program are ongoing until 5th April 2018. Startups can click here to submit their applications.
