9 startups in various fields, nurtured by Microsoft, graduate from its Accelerator programme.
Microsoft’s second batch of tech startups, which the MNC nurtured and incubated for four months, graduated from its Accelerator programme in the city.
This programme is for early-stage, tech-focused startups and is aimed at engaging with them, and acquainting them with investors and mentors. The first batch graduated from this four-month programme in January this year.
Mukund Mohan, CEO-in-residence, Microsoft Accelerator in India, says the nine upcoming firms that graduated were handpicked from more than 450 applications.
“The incubation and access to investors and mentors helped this batch as they prepare to take a leap into the global marketplace,” says Mohan. The startups were introduced to financial advisors, business mentors and technology mentors, to help them grow and shape their ideas.
Microsoft also has the BizSpark programme, through which the company engages with tech startups in the products space, and provides them with access to free software, resources, investors, and funding partners for up to three years.
Experts say since India—Bangalore in particular—is the place for startups, it is essential to guide them during their initial journeys.
“Fresh graduates and professionals are brimming with ideas of what can be created into successful businesses,” says Raman Roy, chairman and MD of BPO firm Quatrro.
“India, today, is a hotbed of startups. There has been a dramatic change in society’s outlook towards start-ups. A few years ago, a self-started business was the face-saving option for someone who didn’t manage to secure a job. He had no ideas, no strategy and no real interest in the business. Today, the employees and even fresh graduates are brimming with ideas of what can be created into a successful business.”
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