Upward provides turnkey embedded financial infrastructure that bundles card issuance, banking, payments, and compliance into one platform, sparing customers the hassle of integrating multiple vendors or navigating complex regulations. Its API-driven system lets companies—particularly those serving gig workers, creators, and small businesses—stand up branded credit card, payment, and banking solutions in weeks. The firm positions its technology as a way to lower cost, cut complexity, and speed time-to-market for new financial products. Upward recently struck a strategic partnership with Mastercard, allowing clients to launch Mastercard-branded card programs that tap features such as Easy Savings and the Business Builder Program. Proceeds from its latest financing will be used to expand core infrastructure, grow engineering and partnership teams, and reach more customers in fintech and adjacent sectors. While the company has not disclosed revenue or user numbers, management highlights accelerating demand for embedded finance among creator and gig-economy platforms.

Total raised

$8M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Nov 2025