Pakistani fintech startup ABHI has secured a place in Mastercard’s prestigious Start Path Small and Medium Business program, marking another milestone for the country’s emerging digital finance sector. ABHI is one of just eight startups globally selected to participate in the four-month initiative, designed to accelerate innovation for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
The Start Path program offers participants access to Mastercard’s global ecosystem, partnerships, and technical expertise. The initiative focuses on scaling solutions that empower SMEs with secure, efficient, and accessible digital financial tools. Startups working in areas such as lending, payments, digital banking, and e-commerce were invited to apply, with ABHI representing Pakistan on the international stage.
Founded in 2021, ABHI has quickly established itself as a regional leader in earned wage access and financial wellness solutions. The startup operates across Pakistan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, helping businesses and employees gain instant access to funds. By bridging the credit gap, ABHI has sought to increase financial inclusion in a region where traditional banking systems have often failed to meet the needs of workers and businesses.
According to program details, ABHI’s inclusion reflects its impact across the MENAP region. The company has already served more than one million users and processed over five million transactions with a combined value exceeding $500 million. Industries ranging from textiles and healthcare to manufacturing and technology rely on its products, demonstrating the company’s reach and scalability.
Omair Ansari, co-founder and CEO of ABHI, said that the startup was built on a mission to address financial constraints in underserved markets. “I witnessed how outdated financial systems and limited access to credit have held back individuals and businesses in emerging markets.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,” he stated.
Mastercard welcomed ABHI and other participants in a LinkedIn post, describing them as part of a new wave of innovators transforming how small businesses operate. “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,” Mastercard said.
The Start Path Small Business program, launched in November 2022, builds on the broader Start Path initiative that Mastercard has run since 2014. It focuses on developing scalable solutions that remove barriers for small businesses, which are considered the backbone of emerging economies.
ABHI joins a diverse global cohort in this round of the program. Other participants include INI, a payment technology platform from Latin America; SiFi, a Saudi Central Bank-licensed fintech; TodoAgro, an agricultural marketplace for Latin America; TurnKey Lender, which automates lending operations; Conduiit, a platform democratizing film and television finance; Tracflo, a construction management startup; and Morado, which offers inclusive financing for beauty businesses.
For ABHI, participation in Start Path is not just recognition but also a strategic opportunity. By working alongside global leaders and leveraging Mastercard’s expertise, the company is expected to enhance its product suite and further expand into new markets.
The recognition underscores Pakistan’s growing footprint in global fintech, as startups like ABHI increasingly contribute to reshaping financial ecosystems across the Middle East and beyond.
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