Microsoft's BizSpark to boost start-up ecosystem in India

Software giant Microsoft on Tuesday brought to India its global programme that helps software start-ups by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools and connecting them with key industry players, including investors.

As part of the BizSpark Plus programme, Microsoft will offer $120,000 a year of free Azure Cloud services to each of the qualified Indian start-ups. Besides, the start-ups can use  $10,000 worth of credits monthly to invest in Microsoft services to power their business. The programme, in addition to open source-friendly Azure, provides free software, developer tools, and technical support to help start-ups be successful.

In a press statement, Microsoft said that it was partnering 13 start-up accelerators to roll out the initiative. These include 91Springboard, Reliance GenNext and Zone Startups.

Globally, Microsoft is partnering 150 start-up accelerators in 47 countries to deploy this programme.

“Start-ups need all the help they can to get access to the right tools, technology and guidance. At Microsoft, we are committed to supporting these start-ups and through the BizSpark Plus programme. We want to support India’s upcoming entrepreneurs and the government’s Digital India vision. We aim to help early stage companies accelerate innovation and deliver their product to customers as quickly as possible,” Rajinish Menon, director, Microsoft Ventures India, said.

To qualify for the BizSpark Plus programme, start-ups must be privately held, should be less than five year old, have a less than $1 million in annual revenues and be a member of a select accelerator or venture capitalist firm.