News & views

12 April 2019

Loughborough University is hosting the UK’s only stop of the Microsoft for Startups European tour on 2 May 2019.

Local companies are invited to attend and hear how they could partner with Microsoft to scale up their business globally and how Microsoft Azure could assist their growth.

The day is a combination of talks, workshops and 121 sessions with Microsoft covering: Partnering with Microsoft, Azure serverless systems and Cognitive Services along with sessions on Founder Dilemmas. The 121 sessions run through the afternoon and are bookable through the registration page.

Benefits of the Microsoft for Startups programme include free software to scale-up seamlessly (up to $250,000 Azure credits), 1:1 mentorship, access to global enterprise clients and channel partners and a VC network. Following graduation and co-sell approval, start-ups can sell inside Microsoft’s two marketplaces (Appsource and Azure Marketplace) as well as connecting to Microsoft’s global sales force. The programme is equity-free – Microsoft does not demand a stake in the companies it nurtures.

The event takes place at Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park on Thursday 2 May. In addition to an overview of the programme, optional 1:1 sessions with the Microsoft team are available to discuss key topics including company mission, value proposition, current and future markets, scalable go to market model, social media and sales plan.

Jane Cowley, Chair of Leicestershire Business Voice said: “This is a real coup for Leicestershire to host this event and we hope that local businesses will take advantage of the opportunity.”