Microsoft Ventures Invites Applications For Its 6th Batch Of Startup Accelerator Program In India

Microsoft Ventures has started accepting application for its sixth batch for the Accelerator Program in India. Interested startups can apply for the batch starting from today till November 30, 2014.

The shortlisted startups will be announced few weeks after applications are closed and startups will be invited for a face-to-face session with a jury panel.  The final list of startups will constitute the summer batch of calendar year 2015 and will begin the four-month acceleration program in end January 2015.

“The continued success of our Accelerator Program reiterates India’s strength as a potential hub for startups and as an ecosystem of global importance. Along with the access to Microsoft technology, mentors and investors, we also provide opportunities to our startups to connect with customers, partners and world class entrepreneurs,” said Microsoft Ventures, Director, Ravi Narayan.

In its current batch which will graduate in November 25, 2014, Microsoft Ventures India had 12 startups and three of these were from outside India – one each from Singapore, Australia and the US.

For the sixth batch, Microsoft Ventures is again looking for a mix of Indian and international startups—Indian startups which are ready for the next stage of accelerated growth and want to have access to global markets as well as international companies that are interested in Asian markets.

The application process is quite simple

• All that startups need to do is apply online. And in case they have queries, just read up the FAQs.
• Attend a Microsoft workshop in their city (Microsoft expert will conduct a series of workshops and coffee meet-ups in various Indian cities to meet start-ups and start-up aspirants and answer their questions)
• For more information on dates and meets, please visit Microsoft Ventures in India Facebook page.

Recently, one of its startup Bookpad which was part of the 2014 summer batch of Microsoft’s accelerator programme in India was acquired by Yahoo.

Interested startups can apply by following this link.

#ProTip: Get a reference from one of Microsoft Venture Accelerator’s partners to improve your chances of getting accepted into the batch.

Related: The Top 15 Startup Accelerators In India

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