Tech giant Microsoft plans to reach out to more and more startups in Bangalore and across India.
Through its BizSpark programme, introduced in India five years ago, Microsoft plans to engage with tech start-ups in the products space, those that are less than five years old and not publicly listed.
Thus start-ups who join BizSpark will be provided access to free software, resources, mentors, tech sector veterans, investors and funding partners for up to three years.
“It is basically hand-holding to help start-ups reach a certain level in their business. The access to software and services is absolutely free for them,” says Kattayil Rajinish Menon, director, start-up strategy, Microsoft India.
Menon says most start-ups are able to find a solid footing within three years and reach a certain scale whereby they can contribute to society and also be an employer.
Currently about 1,000-1,500 tech start-ups get enrolled in the BizSpark programme every year across the country, with a similar number graduating out of it due to completion of three years.
Menon says that of the 1,500-odd start-ups, a substantial number are from Bangalore.
“The global exposure and exposure to Silicon Valley that people here get has no doubt contributed to crystallization of ideas into start-ups.”
Microsoft is now planning to reach out extensively to start-ups in tier II centres like Hubli, Dharwad, Mysore with the BizSpark programme.
Menon says though BizSpark has been open for start-ups from all towns, the company will now make a concentrated effort to reach out to the smaller towns that are also home to several innovative ideas.
From being a Bangalore-focused event, Microsoft is planning to make its start-up competition available to entrepreneurs from 9 other cities including Pune, Kolkata, New Delhi, Cochin etc.
“Two years ago when we started it, the focus was more on Bangalore and surroundings due to the large number of start-ups here. But a considerable number of start-ups are emerging from other cities,” says Menon, adding that this year, the challenge saw 100 start-ups from 10 cities.
The idea behind the challenge is to take ahead the BizSpark initiative and encourage start-ups to forge partnerships with Microsoft. Menon says if some start-ups have brought forth some great solutions, then Microsoft can possibly open up their sales, network and facilitate a connect with their customers.
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