Microsoft rolls out programme for B2B SaaS startups in India

Redmond headquartered technology giant Microsoft has launched a new programme, dubbed 100X100X100, for B2B SaaS (software-as-a-services) startups in India.

The programme plans to bring together over 200 companies that have enterprise-ready solutions to offer. Each of the participating companies will commit to spending $100,000 over a course of 18 months.

Over 50 startups are currently part of the programme, it said in a statement.

The 100X100X100 programme, launched under the aegis of Microsoft for Startups, will help enterprises fast track their digital transformation through faster adoption of SaaS solutions. 

As part of the programme, the startups will have access to regular speed-contracting sessions with prospective customers at the Microsoft industry and customer events.

“India has one of the largest B2B SaaS startup ecosystems in the world, and it's growing exponentially. This initiative will help build scale and create amazing opportunities for startups. Businesses can now fast-track their digital journeys through easy adoption of enterprise-grade solutions,” Anant Maheshwari, President, Microsoft India, said.

The initiative is open to Microsoft co-sell enabled startups associated with Microsoft India with Startups, the statement added.

The company will also offer mentorship, access to partners and support for go-to-market (GTM) activities across the globe, to these startups.

The programme will be conducted with the support of ecosystem partners and industry associations including the Delhi and Mumbai Chapters of The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), it added.

The company rolled out its ambitious Microsoft for Startups programme in 2018. It had committed around $500 million for the programme to get startups to use its cloud services.

In January, the technology giant had selected 54 startups from five Indian states -- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Telangana -- for the fifth edition of its accelerator programme ‘Highway to a Hundred Unicorns’.