Pakistani fintech startup ABHI has been selected as one of eight companies worldwide to join Mastercard’s Start Path Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, a four-month initiative aimed at supporting innovation for small and medium enterprises. The program, backed by Mastercard’s global expertise, partnerships, and network, provides selected startups with opportunities to scale their solutions and build secure digital experiences for SMEs. For ABHI, the inclusion represents recognition of its work in enabling businesses and employees with instant access to financial resources across the MENAP region.
Founded in 2021, ABHI has focused on addressing challenges created by outdated financial systems and limited access to credit in emerging markets. Co-founder and CEO Omair Ansari said his vision is to leverage technology to provide instant financial access that empowers both individuals and organizations to thrive. Since its inception, ABHI has expanded operations beyond Pakistan to markets including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The company has processed over five million transactions globally, amounting to more than $500 million in value, while serving over one million users across sectors such as textiles, manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. In addition, ABHI has partnered with more than 5,000 companies, underlining the growing demand for its credit-bridging solutions.
Mastercard, in a statement on LinkedIn, welcomed ABHI and the other selected startups, describing them as innovators reshaping how small businesses access and manage financial services. The company highlighted that the new cohort of participants is driving accessible and secure digital solutions, from instant access to funds and lending automation to inclusive financing models and e-commerce platforms. Alongside ABHI, the program has also brought in INI, a payment technology provider for merchants in Latin America; SiFi, a Saudi Central Bank-licensed fintech; and TodoAgro, an agriculture-focused marketplace in Latin America. Other members of the latest cohort include TurnKey Lender, Conduiit, Tracflo, and Morado, each addressing gaps in industries ranging from construction management to entertainment and beauty services.
The Start Path program began in 2014 and has supported hundreds of startups worldwide. Its dedicated SMB-focused stream was launched in November 2022, designed specifically to encourage solutions that drive growth and financial inclusion for small businesses. For ABHI, this selection is not only an endorsement of its technology but also an opportunity to connect with a global ecosystem of innovators and expand its impact across emerging markets. With SMEs serving as the backbone of economies in Pakistan and across MENAP, ABHI’s inclusion in Mastercard’s program positions it to further scale financial access and drive sustainable growth for both employers and employees in the region.
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