Microsoft Ventures London Accelerator
by Startacus Admin
Are you ready to
supercharge your startup?
That’s the question being asked by one of the world’s largest technology companies, as they once again head off in search of disruptive and passionate tech startups looking to grow, partner and prosper to join their London accelerator.
Microsoft Ventures has grown into a global force in entrepreneurial support provision, with a growing footprint of accelerators and innovation centres all over the world, from Seattle to Bangalore, Tel Aviv to Beijing.
Aside from being in a great industry position to help supercharge your tech startup, they also have a surprising and refreshing approach to the Startup / Accelerator relationship; giving each team the 1.1 support they need without requiring any transfer of equity… none whatsoever!
If you like the sound of that, then this might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Microsoft Ventures London Accelerator
Over a 12 week period beginning in October 2015, up to 15 later-stage startups (depending on team size) will be treated to a fully immersive accelerator with an impressive hoard of business supercharging benefits.
The aim of this mentor-driven programme is to remove any roadblocks to developing your startup to a point where you can scale into a sustainable and high-achieving enterprise.
Some of the benefits of being involved in the Microsoft Ventures London Accelerator include;
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Free office space in London
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One-to-one expert mentorship and support
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A cutting-edge curriculum which includes such useful things as expert workshops on topics such as Lean Startup Methods, Finance, IP Law, PR, and more.
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Membership of the Microsoft BizSpark Plus programme, which provides access to free cloud services for your business
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Access to the Microsoft ecosystem and the investor community
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Access to a community of like-minded, supportive and passionate startups also enrolled on the program
The idea is that by the end of the programme the selected startups will be completely prepared to confidently pitch their business in front of any venture capitalist or angel investor. But this is definitely not the end of the road, as there will also be ongoing support, networking with peers, potential customers and partners, as well as access to a global alumni support programme.
Who are they looking for?
You dont’ need to build on Microsoft technology to get in! They are on the look out for technology startups building on any platform but in particular they are interested to hear from people doing something surprising and innovative using cloud-based technologies. Some of the areas they are hoping to attract startups from include Internet of Things,FinTech,machine learning, cybersecurity, games, consumer apps, and enterprise solutions.
Specifically they ask that all applicants fulfil the following criteria;
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Have a great highly motivated team with a brilliant vision and their own designated tech staff
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A functioning product/service that uses cloud-based technologies, with demonstrable customer traction i.e. not just a MVP or Concept
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Are disrupting their industry on a fundamental level or riding on an amazing technological innovation
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Have founders working full-time who are ready to be coached
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Have enough capital to sustain them through the duration of the programme
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Have a CEO and CTO willing to be based full-time in Microsoft Ventures London over the course of the programme
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Have a business with the potential to be highly investable i.e. to raise Series A venture funding of £1.5m+ within a year of finishing the programme.
How to apply
If you reckon that your startup has got what it takes to make it in the Microsoft Ventures London Accelerator, then You should make an application here. You've got untill the 11th of September!
Don't just take our word for it—check out the recent news from their previous cohorts ( link to MSV website)
Best of luck to all and let’s see if we can get a member of the Startacus community in.
If you have questions about your application or would like to find out more about the program, drop a member of the team an email at startout@microsoft.com
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Published on: 13th August 2015
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