Introducing the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub Platform

• Microsoft will support founders in Asia at every stage of their startup journey with access to more than US$300,000 in benefits including technology and tools from Microsoft and partners  
• Startups will also be able to gain mentorship and skilling opportunities with industry experts and Microsoft Learn
• Microsoft is committed to Asia’s startup ecosystem and founders including a broadening of programs that support the needs of regional startups at every stage of development

Startups in Asia continue to see innovation and growth over the past two years despite the challenges brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, Asia has become a hotbed of innovation as the startup scene blossoms on every corner.

According to CB insights, Asia was the top region for global venture deals in 2021. Funding was also up 89% from 2020 as more unicorns are produced. In fact, Asia is now home to three of the top ten countries leading in the number of unicorns created year on year through China, India, and South Korea, India, in particular, is facing the fastest pace with a unicorn being created almost every week. A recent report by Bain reports that Indian SaaS firms could corner about eight to nine percent of the global market by 2025.

With that said, Microsoft launches its Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub in Asia, to empower startups’ ambitions and fuel innovation to drive economic and societal progress for Asia and beyond. The new inclusive platform offers over US$ 300,000 worth of benefits and credits, giving startups free access to the technology, tools, and resources they need to build and run their business.

In fact, the Microsoft cloud is the platform of choice to empower the ambition of startups whether consumer or B2B SaaS solutions to enable them to scale across Asia and globally. For example, in China over the past ten years, Microsoft has supported the growth of over 700 start-ups.

The startup hub is expected to empower entrepreneurs to innovate and grow by connecting them with mentors who will provide them with industry, business, and technical support to guide them through their next business milestones. In addition, Founders will have access to Microsoft Learn and a variety of startup and unicorn programs to help them build connections with customers and accelerate their growth.

Designed specifically for early-stage startups, the platform is available to all startups in Asia, including those without third-party backing, as part of Microsoft’s commitment to empowering startups’ ambitions to drive innovation from Asia to the world.

For Jesus Martin, Chief Strategy at Microsoft Asia, creativity and innovation are accelerating Asia’s position to become the startup region of the world. As a trusted partner, Microsoft wants to empower the ambition of startups from an idea to a unicorn.

“As a platform company, our cloud services and solutions are designed to empower founders to concentrate on what they do best – innovate at their own pace. Our aim is to give startups access to the technology that will power their innovation, connect them with customers, and an ecosystem of developers, partners, and investors to help them scale in Asia and beyond,” shared Martin.

Martin also said that the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub was created following extensive research and conversations with hundreds of founders who explicitly shared their need for access to a digital ecosystem that promotes opportunities and democratizes innovation regardless of background, location, progress, or passions.

“We look forward to how our new offering will support more founders in Asia and provide access to the technology, tools, and resources they need to build and run their business,” explained Martin.

To support startups across Asia focused on sustainability and social impact, Microsoft also expanded Project Amplify, in collaboration with Accenture, enabling hands-on support and technologies, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities.

“Microsoft believes startups from Asia have the potential to change the world. In fact, they have already played a role in transforming Asia’s economy. Asian-born businesses have changed e-commerce, fintech, social media, and gaming. They have given us SuperApps, which are changing the way we live. As the cloud platform of choice, we will continue to work with our partners and regional ecosystem to get technology and resources in the hands of startup founders in Asia, to empower them to innovate and ultimately succeed,” concluded Martin.

 

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