Steve Ballmer Launches New Startup Accelerator Programme for UK Software Entrepreneurs

01 October 2007

London – UK – 1 October 2007 - Today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, is launching a new start-up accelerator programme for software entrepreneurs that offers technical and commercial support to high potential, high growth companies in the UK to boost their chances of long term success.

“Software offers huge opportunities for new UK businesses, but even great ideas and groundbreaking innovation are sometimes not enough to bring long term success,” said Steve Ballmer. “Microsoft understands the challenges facing entrepreneurs and through the technical and business support offered in this new Startup Accelerator Programme we can help fledgling businesses realise their potential and achieve success.” commented Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO.

The programme includes technical support and guidance on the latest Microsoft technologies and platforms, such as Silverlight and Live Services. In addition, startups that have been successful in getting onto the programme will be given access to tools and services to accelerate their businesses commercially. This includes access to marketing and sales support as well as business development sessions hosted by Microsoft.

Ben Way, founder of ViaPost and one of the participants in the Startup Accelerator Programme said; “This is a great chance to tap into the vast resources, experience and knowledge that Microsoft can offer. Startup businesses on the internet live and die on the quality of support they have access to and this new initiative can only help more web entrepreneurs in the UK to build sustainable and successful companies. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us involved.”

The new programme is being launched at a half-day conference held at Microsoft’s central London headquarters in Victoria. The event brings together some of the leading lights of the Web 2.0 space to discuss how would-be entrepreneurs can make the most of  online opportunities, an important area for software innovation. Successful entrepreneurs, including  Brent Hoberman fromlastminute.com and Saul Klein from Index Venture and Seedcamp will join Steve Ballmer and others to share their thoughts on what it means to be a successful web entrepreneur and how Microsoft can help people and businesses achieve their potential in this space.

The first six companies who have been successful in joining the programme are Miomni, Zebtab, Corebridge, ViaPost and Miomi (beta). Organisations interested in learning more about the programme can find further information at http://microsoftstartupzone.com/uk

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

http://www.microsoft.com/uk/press/content/presscentre/releases/2007/10/PR03877.mspx

http://microsoftstartupzone.com/blogs/united_kingdom/pages/ukebt.aspx