Pakistani fintech startup ABHI has achieved another major milestone by being selected as one of just eight startups globally to join Mastercard’s prestigious Start Path Small and Medium Business (SMB) program. The four-month accelerator initiative is designed to help fintechs and startups develop and scale innovative financial solutions for small and medium enterprises worldwide.
The program gives participants access to Mastercard’s global network, industry expertise, strategic partnerships, and advanced resources, allowing them to build secure, scalable, and inclusive digital experiences tailored to SMEs. With a focus on areas such as SME lending, e-commerce, digital banking, and payment technologies, the program supports startups driving the future of small business financial services.
Founded in 2021, ABHI has been at the forefront of financial inclusion efforts across Pakistan and the broader MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) region. The company provides credit-bridging solutions, including earned wage access and business finance products, enabling employees and enterprises to access funds instantly and reliably. To date, ABHI has onboarded more than 5,000 companies, served over 1 million users, and processed approximately 5 million transactions with a total value exceeding $500 million across its operating markets, which include Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Omair Ansari, Co-founder and CEO of ABHI, emphasized the mission behind the company’s rapid growth. “I witnessed how outdated financial systems and limited access to credit have held back individuals and businesses in emerging markets,” he said. “My vision for the future is financial technology that helps people everywhere with instant access to the resources they need to grow, thrive, and achieve their goals.”
Mastercard highlighted ABHI and its peers in a statement announcing the latest Start Path cohort. “We’re thrilled to welcome the newest innovators to Mastercard Start Path’s Small and Medium Business program,” the company said. “These startups are transforming the way small businesses access and manage financial services — from issuing smart corporate cards to supercharging instant access to funds. Together, they’re driving simple, smart, and secure digital experiences for SMBs around the world.”
Alongside ABHI, the new Start Path SMB cohort features startups from across the globe. These include INI, a Latin American payments technology firm for merchants; SiFi, a Saudi Central Bank-licensed fintech platform; TodoAgro, a Latin American agriculture marketplace; TurnKey Lender, a lending automation platform; Conduiit, which democratizes film and television finance; Tracflo, a construction management startup; and Morado, which provides inclusive financing for beauty businesses.
Launched in 2014, Mastercard’s broader Start Path initiative has supported more than 350 startups globally, helping them expand into new markets and scale their solutions. The Start Path Small Business program, launched in November 2022, specifically focuses on empowering SMEs, which remain a critical growth engine for economies worldwide.
ABHI’s inclusion in this global program underscores the growing strength of Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem and highlights the country’s increasing relevance in global financial innovation. By participating in the Mastercard Start Path SMB program, ABHI aims to strengthen its footprint across the MENAP region while continuing to drive financial inclusion and digital transformation for small businesses and their employees.
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