THE MICROSOFT BIZSPARK PROGRAM PROVIDES TECHNOLOGY, SUPPORT, VISIBILITY, AND COMMUNITY TO PROMISING STARTUPS AND ENTREPRENEURS.
BizSpark is a global program that helps software based startups succeed by giving them access to Microsoft software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, including investors, and providing marketing visibility to help entrepreneurs starting a business.
Today, Microsoft provides valuable assistance to more than 45,000 startups worldwide. BizSpark startups range from traditional VC-funded startups, to garage-style startups with limited resources, to the entrepreneurial small business person growing their business through technology. From the outset, BizSpark has offered startups access to Microsoft tools, software and licenses at no cost. The program has three goals:
- Develop and support a global ecosystem of startups.
- Learn how best to provide value to these partners in the rapidly changing technology industry.
- Foster innovation, opportunity and economic growth around the world.
Startups are developing on a range of Microsoft technologies, from platforms with a large user base such as Windows and SQL Server, to exciting new platforms like Windows Phone, Windows Azure, Bing and Kinect. As we move to a cloud-to-device world, Microsoft is out in front, helping startups embrace new technologies and build new businesses. We are gaining invaluable experience, understanding how these companies are developing new businesses and creating the services of the future.
BizSpark is supported by more than 2,400 independent global partners that include incubators, investors, universities and government agencies, hosters, banks, foundations and entrepreneurship groups.