The application for the new Microsoft Ventures drive has been evolved to a one-point destination to 8 accelerator programs.
Microsoft Ventures, which used to receive over 1000 applications for their accelerator programs, out of which only 0.1% got selected. Seeing that there are over 99.9% startups deserving the right guidance, Microsoft Ventures decided to streamline their application process further to include their partner programs such as ISDI, Reliance GenNext and Deshpande foundation’s Sandbox into one and call it @cceler8.
Ravi Narayan, Director, Microsoft Ventures, said – “We have built an impressive portfolio of 74 startups through our accelerators programs in the last three years. We are now adding more accelerator programs through our partners under the “Initiative for Corporate Innovation (ICI)” program, so that we can cater to a larger numbers of startups. GenNext Innovation Hub and Sandbox Startups are two initiates that are already running under the ICI program. Through @cceler8 we hope to help every startup that comes to us by directing them to the right programs for mentorship and guidance.”
@cceler8 is not for batch 7, but all MV initiatives rolled into one application. The idea is, no matter which stage you are in, apply to @ccler8 and Microsoft Ventures will find the right accelerator programme for the startup. It will work like a CAT or SNAP exam, where all the applications come into one place and the startups are sent to the right program.
In addition to recommending the right startup program, these startups will be included in the various initiatives by Microsoft Ventures such as Masterclass and Pivot (Hackathon by Microsoft Ventures).
The applications are open to technology and technology enabled startups in any vertical. Based in Bangalore, Microsoft Ventures does not offer any funding to the startup. It has partnered with Reliance GenNext, Deshpande foundation and ISDI.
The final date for the application is 15th July, 2015.
Procedure–
@cceler8 has a two step application procedure by which all startups can apply to the various programs by Microsoft Ventures for startup.
- Startups fill this application form – https://www.f6s.com/mventuresin/apply
- The Ventures team goes through each and every application and selects the right startup for their respective accelerator program.
Accelerators under this program –
- Accelerator
- Accelerator Plus
- Scale Up
- Hi Po
- BizSpark
- BizSpark Plus
- GenNext Innovation Hub
- Sandbox Startup
BizSpark program was started to support young entrepreneurship in their in early years. The program helps startups grow their business by providing access to leading technology products, business and technical support, and market visibility.
Unlimited startups can be selected under BizSpark & BizSpark Plus.
The accelerator Plus program provides startups with seed of less than $1Mn, access to mentors and technical experts , networking support to connect with VCs/Private Equity.
It selects upto 10-14 startups for each batch.
The Scale Up program focus on startups with large seed or series funding with 10-14 startups in each batch.
Hi- Po –
Abbreviation for “high potential”, through this Microsoft Ventures will pick Series A funded companies
of VC firms to work alongside other startups for four months, sans any financial investment from either side to help assist more exits and help the founders transition to investors, mentors or serial entrepreneurs.
Hi-Po selects 10 startups for each batch.
Caters to early stage startups with angel investors and seed funding with 10-14 startups selected for each batch.
GenNext –
The GenNext Innovation Hub, supported by Microsoft Ventures enables selected entrepreneurs to build their company through an immersive program that can last up to 4-5 months.
Startups accepted into the program gain access to business mentors, technical and design experts, plug and play office space and resources that help them apply their skills to working jointly with our businesses on innovative technologies and in-turn gain valuable insights to build/modify their business model for scaling up in the Indian and global markets.
Microsoft Ventures in partnership with Deshpande Foundation is an incubator focused on nurturing startups in tier II and tier III cities of India. Sandbox Startups aims at providing a launch pad for aspiring entrepreneurs in tier II and III cities so that they can validate their business ideas, sharpen business acumen, develop products and launch solutions to the market.
