Mastercard Launches New Start Path Program to Advance Security Innovation

In a bold step to strengthen digital trust and cybersecurity innovation, Mastercard has unveiled a new Security Solutions program under its Start Path initiative. The program aims to support emerging startups focused on fortifying digital identity, fraud prevention, and payment system resilience in an increasingly connected world.

The first cohort includes five cutting-edge startups — OneID, Scamnetic, Spec, VanishID, and Shield-IoT — selected after a competitive global application process. These companies are developing tools to combat phishing scams, protect personal data, secure IoT payment devices, and more.

“Security is the cornerstone of trust,” said Johan Gerber, executive vice president and head of Security Solutions at Mastercard. “It is essential to fueling digital commerce in an increasingly connected world, where new threats emerge all the time. By partnering with startup innovators who are already working to protect our ecosystem, we are accelerating co-creation and knowledge-sharing — shaping a safer, smarter digital future.”

The new security-focused program marks the latest evolution of Mastercard’s Start Path, its award-winning global startup engagement platform launched in 2014. To date, Start Path has supported over 475 startups from more than 60 countries, helping them scale through strategic support and access to Mastercard’s global network. Many alumni have gone on to reach unicorn status or establish ongoing commercial relationships with the payments giant.

This latest extension of Start Path reflects Mastercard’s broader strategy to defend the digital economy. Since 2018, the company has invested more than $10.7 billion in cybersecurity innovation, with a portfolio spanning strategic acquisitions, new technologies, and value-added services. The launch comes at a time when the global cost of cybercrime is projected to hit $15.6 trillion by 2029.

Each of the five startups brings a unique solution to the table:

• OneID offers a document-free digital identity verification system using bank-based authentication methods. “We wanted to create a simpler, more secure, and inclusive way – that was also entirely digital - to verify customers’ identities so users could access the services they needed more quickly,” said Rob Kotlarz, founding director.

  
  

• Scamnetic delivers patented, AI-powered tools to detect and prevent scams in real time. “We've seen the consequences of [criminals being early adopters of financial tech], which is why I firmly believe that the future of fintech is one where security is no longer an afterthought,” said CEO Al Pascual.

  
  

• Spec enables real-time monitoring of the customer journey to stop fraud and abuse before transactions complete. “The future of digital commerce demands real-time visibility — so we can tell the good users from the bad ones before they can access the money,” said co-founder and CEO Nate Kharrl.

  
  

• VanishID helps enterprises protect their workforce by scanning for and removing publicly exposed personal data. “Privacy isn’t passive,” said founder and CEO Matt Polak. “It must be engineered, defended, and maintained ruthlessly.”

  
  

• Shield-IoT specializes in securing large-scale IoT networks, including point-of-sale terminals and EV charging stations. “Our AI-powered SaaS platform enterprises and SMBs with unprecedented insights and control, automatically safeguarding personal data, protecting critical services and meeting regulatory compliance requirements,” said founder and CEO Udi Solomon.

  
  

Mastercard has also recently enhanced its cybersecurity capabilities through the acquisition of Recorded Future, the world’s largest threat intelligence platform. The company continues to work with partners such as the Global Anti-Scam Alliance to bolster digital safety on a global scale.

With this latest Start Path expansion, Mastercard is reaffirming its leadership in digital security and its commitment to enabling a more trustworthy, resilient digital future for businesses and consumers alike.