Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program Expands Support for Innovative Startups Worldwide

Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program Expands Support for Innovative Startups
Worldwide
Program designed to foster success of high-potential startups developing
software on the Microsoft platform.

REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Building on its
commitment to support startups developing innovative software solutions on the
Microsoft platform, Microsoft Corp. has added more than 30 companies to the
Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program. Launched in October 2007, the program
is designed to help startups accelerate software development and market
visibility through customized engagement plans comprising access to premier
support staff, software licenses and subscriptions, new technologies, and/or
access to Microsoft Technology Centers for software testing and architecture
guidance. Nearly 20 companies were initially selected to join the program;
today it is supporting more than 50 emerging businesses.
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"When we launched the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program last fall, our
goal was to identify innovative early-stage startups that were a strategic fit
for Microsoft and to create an exceptional opportunity for them to work with
us and our global customer base for mutual success," said Dan'l Lewin,
corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at
Microsoft. "We are very pleased with the excitement and momentum behind the
program from the entrepreneurial community, and we will continue to focus on
expanding the program to support the success of an even broader set of
startups worldwide."
One such startup participating in the program is Berkeley, Calif.-based
StoreXperience Inc., a mobile-shopping solution provider. Since joining the
program, StoreXperience has introduced a new mobile application enabling
brands and stores to actively manage customer relationships and influence
individual purchasing decisions in specific locations via mobile devices.
Built on the Microsoft platform, StoreXperience easy Shopping converts
shoppers' mobile phones into personal shopping assistants by using new,
interactive bar codes to more easily deliver rich product information and
tailored offers and discounts.
"The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program provides the much needed
resources and guidance we need to get a leg up on the competition," said Herve
Pluche, president and co-founder of StoreXperience. "Since joining the
program, we have overcome mission-critical technical challenges and have
expanded our marketing and channel presence. We look forward to continuing our
relationship with Microsoft to take our company to the next level."
Microsoft is committed to serving as a valuable technology and business
partner for emerging startups and investors. The Microsoft Emerging Business
Team (EBT) has been working with the startup community since 1999, and today
engages with hundreds of technology startups each year to identify those with
the strongest potential to succeed in the market, shape the industry's future,
and enhance the overall value of Microsoft products and services for
customers.
The team looks at a number of criteria, including marketability, growth
potential, funding, management and management history, platform decisions, and
strategic importance to Microsoft. The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program
has local implementation in France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and the
United States. Interested startups can apply via the process outlined at the
Microsoft Startup Zone at http://www.microsoftstartupzone.com.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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