It is no surprise to most that Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has an entrepreneurial spirit at heart. After all, the company has made many acquisitions in the past, including this one that has worked out quite nicely over the first 12 months.
Microsoft is now looking to take things one step further. Yesterday, the company posted this story on its official blog: Announcing Microsoft Ventures for startups to build, innovate and grow
Here is a brief excerpt from the post, penned by Rahul Sood, general manager of Microsoft Startups:
“Entrepreneurship is an increasingly global phenomenon. We know that the barriers to turn an idea into a business have never been lower. At the same time, entrepreneurs at any maturity level still need a lot of assistance, and there are more resources than ever available to help them. As ecosystems become more fractured, paths to innovation shift and evolve, often requiring support tailored to that particular market to spur meaningful growth. To meet these growing sets of needs across mature and emerging markets alike, we are strengthening the resources we provide entrepreneurs.”
Sood is right in saying that the barriers of entry have never been lower. More so today than ever before, entrepreneurs are able to easily get started in a variety of industries – especially those in technology. At the same time, you also have to agree with the fact that many startups need the assistance of professionals.
With Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Ventures, this is exactly what many startups are going to have access to.
Here is more from the piece:
“Today, Microsoft is announcing the creation of Microsoft Ventures, a coordinated global effort that offers the tools, resources, expertise and routes to market by providing mentorship, technology guidance, seed funding, joint selling opportunities and other benefits. Microsoft isn’t new to working with startups. Since 2008, more than 75,000 startups from over 100 countries have received access to tools and resources through the BizSpark program. Since launching our accelerator programs two years ago, 114 startups have graduated, and nearly all that sought a subsequent round of funding received it. We launched the Bing Fund in 2012 to make seed investments in startups, and help them build their business and improve their technology.”
Microsoft Ventures is a global effort that is going to impact companies far and wide in the years to come. By mentoring these startups, while also offering seed funding among other resources, companies will be able to find themselves on the right track sooner rather than later.
It is nice to see a company such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) giving back so much to the world of entrepreneurship.
How do you feel about Microsoft Ventures? Do you believe it will be a good thing for startups in the years to come? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, and don’t miss out on this story.
