Mastercard Lighthouse FINITIV has officially launched its 14th programme round, welcoming 15 innovative fintech and fintech-enabler startups.
This spring, the partnership initiative will focus on Denmark, Norway, and the Baltics, fostering the already thriving startup ecosystem in these regions.
The selected participants specialise in diverse areas such as accounting, fraud detection, API-based solutions, and insurance technology.
Mastercard Lighthouse remains dedicated to driving innovation and collaboration – both vertically, by working with investors, banks, and corporate partners, and horizontally, by fostering connections among startups and early-scale companies.
Introducing the Mastercard Lighthouse Spring Class of 2025
Denmark
AI-powered automated accounting for SMEs, integrating multiple data sources with a streamlined UI.
Simplifying recurring billing and contract management for B2B enterprises.
A fraud detection platform enabling secure collaboration between multiple banks.
Providing tokenised multifunctional cards for businesses beyond the banking sector.
Developing an app to help SMEs monitor and control cash flow in real time.
Norway
Offering automated credit rating and financial crime prevention solutions.
Helping banks and insurers embed digital insurance, enhancing revenue and customer loyalty.
Streamlining complex payment processes to reduce administrative workloads.
A digital life management platform integrated into banking and insurance services.
Providing secure face verification to combat identity fraud in banking and digital ID industries.
Baltics
Developing DLT market infrastructure for regulated tokenised securities under EU regulations.
Creating a Connector-as-a-Service platform for financial institutions with adaptable regulatory APIs.
Building a compliance and risk management platform for financial institutions.
Enabling payments for SMEs across social media and websites without coding.
Providing a single API to access SME accounting systems.
Mats Taraldsson, Head of Innovation, Fintech, and Impact-Tech Engagement at Mastercard Nordic and Baltic, expressed enthusiasm for the latest cohort:
“The energy and innovation that these fintechs bring to the table is staggering. Selecting the 15 companies from a highly competitive pool was challenging, but we are thrilled to collaborate with some of the most promising fintechs and fintech enablers in the region. Through Mastercard Lighthouse FINITIV, we facilitate partnerships that drive innovation in payments and financial services.”
The Lighthouse programme remains one of the most sought-after initiatives for fintech startups and scaleups in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Each applicant proposed a partnership scenario with Mastercard and its banking partners, with shortlisted candidates presenting their ideas before the final selection.
René Thejsen, VP and Group Head of Cards, Consumer Finance & Vendors at Danske Bank, added:
“Being selected for the Mastercard Lighthouse programme is a mark of quality for startups. With so many startups approaching banks, Lighthouse helps us identify the most relevant players. The current batch covers a diverse range of topics, and we look forward to meeting the teams. We also encourage more female founders to apply in future rounds, as this has been a missing element in previous editions.”
During the Spring Programme, participants will engage in one-on-one sessions with Mastercard, Danske Bank, Swedbank, SEB, DNB, Resurs Bank, and SpareBank 1 Østlandet to explore collaboration opportunities.
Additionally, they will be introduced to Mastercard Lighthouse’s Investor Circle, comprising over 160 investors from Europe, the UK, and North America.
Participants will also benefit from mentorship with growth advisors such as AWS, Fintech Mundi, and Invenio Growth.
Furthermore, Mastercard’s Marketing and Communications teams will support startups in refining their messaging and maximising media exposure.
Featured image credit: Mastercard
