Pakistani fintech ABHI has been selected as one of eight startups worldwide to join Mastercard’s Start Path Small and Medium Business (SMB) program, a four-month initiative that supports companies in scaling digital financial solutions for small enterprises. The program gives participants access to Mastercard’s global network, strategic partnerships, expertise, and resources to build secure and innovative digital experiences for SMEs.
Launched in November 2022 as an extension of Mastercard’s broader Start Path initiative, the SMB program is designed to accelerate startups in areas such as SME lending, e-commerce, digital banking, and payment technologies. Since its inception in 2014, the Start Path platform has worked with over 360 companies worldwide, helping them bring fintech innovation to scale.
ABHI, founded in 2021, provides businesses and employees with instant access to earned wages, empowering financial flexibility in the MENAP region (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan). The startup’s mission is to bridge credit gaps, reduce reliance on outdated systems, and improve financial inclusion across diverse sectors.
Co-founder and CEO Omair Ansari reflected on ABHI’s journey, saying, “I witnessed how outdated financial systems and limited access to credit have held back individuals and businesses in emerging markets. 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.”
ABHI’s products have already reached significant scale. The fintech has onboarded more than 5,000 companies, processed over 5 million transactions, and facilitated a total value exceeding $500 million across markets including Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. Its earned wage access service has particularly gained traction, highlighted by its partnership with Saudi Arabia’s TRAY to enhance employee financial wellness.
Mastercard, in a statement on LinkedIn, welcomed the new cohort, noting: “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.”
The latest cohort of the Start Path SMB program includes a diverse group of innovators from around the world. Alongside ABHI, participants include:
- INI – A payment technology startup serving merchants across Latin America.
- SiFi – A Saudi Central Bank-licensed fintech platform.
- TodoAgro – An agriculture marketplace from Latin America.
- TurnKey Lender – A lending automation platform.
- Conduiit – Focused on democratizing film and television financing.
- Tracflo – Streamlining construction management processes.
- Morado – Offering inclusive financing for beauty businesses.
With its selection, ABHI is positioned to expand its reach and strengthen its ability to support SMEs in emerging markets. Its inclusion in the Mastercard Start Path SMB program underscores Pakistan’s growing presence in the global fintech landscape, particularly in addressing financial inclusion challenges in underserved regions.