Startups play a pivotal role in a thriving ecosystem given their outsized ability to push the entire ecosystem forward. Despite being vital to innovation and growth, by some estimates, over 90% of startups will go out of business in their first year.
With this in mind, we set out to better understand what startups need to be successful, especially when just getting started. Based on real-world feedback from thousands of entrepreneurs from around the world, across a range of backgrounds, we are excited to unveil, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. Open to anyone with an idea, the platform is designed to address the most common challenges startups face.
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is centered around three key areas:
- Unlocking innovation for all: The platform eliminates traditional barriers founders face when getting started, such as venture capital requirements or third-party validation to help any founder regardless of background, location or access be successful.
- Technology benefits that grow: Keeping pace with a startup’s lifecycle, the platform helps founders speed development with free access to GitHub and the Microsoft Cloud with the ability to unlock additional benefits over time. To address the unique needs of startups, we are also partnering with innovative companies like OpenAI, a global leader in AI research and deployment, that develops AI systems such as GPT-3 and Codex to provide startups with exclusive benefits and discounts.
- Access to mentorship and guidance: Becoming a founder is no longer about “who you know.” Through the platform, startups can connect with industry veterans, access tailored startup-centric training and innovate quickly with expert technical guidance.
Unlocking innovation for all
With Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub, we envision a startup ecosystem that is open to all – from idea to exit. To that end, unlike others in the industry, we don’t require startups to be “investor-backed” to sign up and access benefits. The platform provides free access to over $100,000 in powerful development and productivity tools including GitHub, Microsoft 365 and more.
As of March 2022, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is now open to anyone with idea. Prior to this, the benefits were only available to some selected startups having undergone the application process. These benefits include free productivity tools like Microsoft 365 Business Standard Licenses for 10 Seats, Microsoft Power Platform, Dynamics 365, Visual Studio Enterprise & GitHub, Microsoft Azure Credits starting from $1k, Exclusive Partner Offers including Bubble – $3k, Miro – $1.5k, OpenAI API – $8.5k, AngelList Stack $500.
Technology benefits that grow
Founders consistently share that the startup journey is unpredictable and filled with uncertainty. We want to provide flexibility for startups to work with Microsoft as they shape their businesses. With the platform, startups can build their businesses at their own pace with up to $150,000 of Microsoft Azure. As usage increases, founders can unlock additional credits over time. For instance, if a founder is in the “Ideate” stage and is developing a prototype we will provide $1,000 for one year. If the startup utilizes those credits in a few months, they can request more from within the platform and we will move them up to the “Develop” stage at $5,000 for one year.
“Navigating the headwinds of building a startup can be challenging – from focusing on innovation and connecting with investors to finding product market fit,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, Cloud + AI, Microsoft. “Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub meets founders where they are, offering best-in-class developer tools and a breadth of cloud offerings across every function, so startups can reduce costs and accelerate development with a partner they can trust.”
Access to expert guidance and skilling resources
Successful founders have shared that access to coaching and advice is a key factor in hitting their next milestone. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub connects founders with industry veterans and access to startup-friendly training technical guidance including Microsoft Learn, Microsoft’s comprehensive learning and skilling platform.
- Technical support – Startups can join 1:1 technical advisory sessions and access 24/7 technical assistance.
- Network and connect: Connect and network with hundreds of experienced mentors in the Microsoft Mentor Network for access to expert feedback and advice.
- Startup-centric training: Founders can access self-led learning, events and content addressing the unique needs of startups
As a Microsoft Solutions Partner in Nigeria, Interstellar Business Solutions Limited is supporting startups with Azure Technical Advisory, Deployment of Office 365, and Expert Guidance to put proper structures in place for startups to scale and become successful.
To anyone with an idea, we want to help you make it a reality. Sign up and start building on Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub today.