Upward, a fintech infrastructure platform empowering businesses to quickly launch and scale digital financial products, has secured $8 million in a Series Seed+ funding round, co-led by Dundee Venture Capital and Breakwater Ventures Fund, with participation from Techstars, Altari Ventures, Cascade Seed Fund, and Outside Ventures. The funding will drive Upward’s mission to simplify and accelerate the development of financial products while reducing operational complexity. Alongside the investment, Upward also announced a strategic partnership with Mastercard to enable customers to launch Mastercard-branded card programs within weeks.
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“At Upward, we’re transforming the way financial products are built,” said Aaron Gregory, Co-founder & CEO of Upward. “This investment and our Mastercard partnership will help to tear down those barriers — empowering our customers to launch and operate smarter, customer-centric financial products faster than ever.” The collaboration with Mastercard integrates its Easy Savings® and Business Builder Program into Upward’s platform, enhancing opportunities for small businesses and creators. Co-Founder & COO Danielle Hill added that the company aims to make financial innovation “not only faster but also more flexible.” The new capital will expand Upward’s infrastructure, engineering, and partnerships across fintech, gig, and creator ecosystems.
