Mastercard and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have teamed up to help Türkiye’s fintech startups grow faster and smarter. The joint accelerator combines Mastercard’s Lighthouse Türkiye programme with EBRD’s Star Venture initiative, aiming to boost local founders with global-scale support.
Bringing Global Mentorship and Market Access to Türkiye
Mastercard’s Lighthouse programme first launched in Türkiye in 2024. Its goal is to help fintech startups build stronger strategies and earn trust in global markets. With the new partnership, founders can now access mentorship, business development help, and international investor networks—all from a single platform.
Yasemin Bedir, Mastercard’s Eastern Europe President, said this collaboration offers something priceless: credibility. It’s a way to stay close to emerging technologies, unlock new business models, and create real value with the ecosystem.
Originally launched in the Nordic and Baltic countries—where cashless economies are the norm—the Lighthouse programme connects startups with over 30,000 Mastercard partners. It also offers direct mentorship, practical training, and faster access to fundraising opportunities.
EBRD Brings Scale and Structure
The EBRD’s Star Venture programme began in 2019 and now spans 26 markets. It focuses on identifying startups with high potential and giving them the tools to grow. This includes expert advice, mentorship, funding access, and help building local and international networks.
To date, the programme has backed more than 350 startups and 36 accelerators. With this new partnership, six Turkish fintechs selected by Mastercard will spend three months under EBRD’s wing. They’ll receive hands-on consultancy, event exposure, and connections to decision-makers and investors.
For Turkish fintech founders, this collaboration could be transformative. It’s not just about funding—it’s about gaining the skills and support to scale smarter, faster, and further.
