Mastercard has chosen five startups to join its Start Path program, which focuses on developing blockchain use cases and enhancing user experiences. The program aims to explore different applications of digital assets and blockchain technology to solve real-world problems. Mastercard's experience in building a global payments network positions it to connect startups with various use cases, including regulated money, bank deposits, stablecoins, and CBDCs.

The selected startups include Kulipa, a French-based company that facilitates crypto payment card issuance for digital wallets; Parfin, a UK-based company that develops software products for financial institutions to adopt blockchain technology; peaq, a Singapore-based startup that provides digital infrastructure for real-world applications; Triangle, a US-based startup that prioritizes sustainability through a data platform combining climate data with finance; and Venly, a Belgium-based startup that simplifies blockchain integration for developers and businesses.

Mastercard's Start Path program will provide these startups with opportunities for collaboration, tailored training, and access to Mastercard's customers and channels during a virtual four-month program. Since its inception in 2014, Mastercard has supported over 400 startups from 54 countries. The program aims to uncover new ways to increase crypto adoption and financial inclusion with convenient, global stablecoin payments.