Microsoft introduces Founders Hub platform to nurture startups in India

Microsoft Corporation has launched its ‘Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub’ in India’, which it claims is a platform that will support new-age companies’ founders here at every stage of their entity’s journey. It was also revealed that the platform will also offer access to over $300,000 in benefits including technology and tools from the American tech giant and its ecosystem partners. 

Furthermore, Microsoft is also partnering with companies like OpenAI, a global leader in AI research and deployment that develops AI systems such as GPT-3 and Codex to dole out exclusive benefits and discounts to startups. In addition, founders will have access to Microsoft Learn for tailored startup-centric training and a variety of startup and unicorn programs to help them build connections with customers or industry veterans and accelerate their growth, as stated by the company. 

“Disruptive innovation in Indian startups is accelerating India’s position to become one of the leading startups' hubs of the world. As a trusted partner, we want to empower every startup in India to help scale their idea to become a unicorn and beyond. 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,” reveals Sangeeta Bavi, Director — Startup Ecosystem, Microsoft India. 

The company has also revealed that the platform is designed specifically for early-stage startups to lower the barriers to business creation, act as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute to easing the journey from an idea to a unicorn. It is available to all startups in India, including those without third-party validation or funding, and underscores Microsoft’s commitment to empowering startups’ ambitions to drive innovation from India, as per the company’s announcements. 

Beyond access to technology, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub aims 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.

“Our aim is to provide startups access to the resources that will power their innovation, connect them with customers, and an ecosystem of developers, partners and investors to help them scale in India and beyond,” added Bavi.