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In April 2020, Ukheshe Technologies was selected to join Mastercard Start Path, an exclusive startup engagement program for later-stage scaling startups. In the 11 months that followed, we pivoted to a B2B model that focused on the enablement of Mastercard’s digital-first strategy. Our journey continued with the acquisition of Oltio – which developed the digital payments platform that supports Mastercard’s QR code service, Masterpass, in South Africa. while also concluding a strategic partnership with Mastercard on issuing, along with several other active engagements across multiple global territories.
Mastercard and the Start Path startups are a global network of innovators building the future of commerce. Start Path is one of many renowned programs in Mastercard Accelerate, which provides a simple, single entry point to Mastercard’s wide fintech portfolio and access to everything startups need to grow quickly. As an industry-wide collaboration, Start Path convenes banks, merchants and startups to scale new technology solutions for the financial services and payments industries.
Mastercard’s ecosystem, customers and innovations will assist Ukheshe to continue building one of the most significant transaction platforms on the African continent, and indeed across the globe. Inclusion in the Start Path programme has opened many doors and opportunities across the MEA region as well as other markets and has been a real privilege. A huge thank you to our sponsors Annie and Shyam, for all the support you have given us.
Being part of Start Path allows Ukheshe to pursue our vision of supporting clients’ goals of enhancing financial inclusion through innovative digital financial services to drive economic growth. After successfully completing the Start Path program, we are participating in Mastercard’s Fintech Express, a programme designed to facilitate emerging fintechs’ launch and expansion, and will continue our push to be at the very forefront of an exciting digital-first future.