BANGLADESHI STARTUPS
After launching the Scale Up program in several countries, 'Microsoft for Startups' is now set to launch in Bangladesh. Lathika S Pai, Country Head at Microsoft for Startups, MENA and SAARC, inaugurated the event at Lakeshore Hotel, on the 30th of September 2018. 'Microsoft for Startups' runs the Scale Up program, where promising startups from Bangladesh can apply to receive technology support, strategic mentoring and the opportunity to be included in Microsoft's Marketplace. A key part of the program is to get Startups "co-sell ready", where the Startups get access to global markets leveraging Microsoft's global sales presence. Microsoft for Startups does not provide equity funding but offers up to $250k in Azure credits to those that qualify for the Scale Up Program.
"The Bangladeshi startup ecosystem is evolving. I believe that in the next few years if the startups adopt cutting edge technologies like what Microsoft has to offer in AI/NLP/Cognitive, Azure IOT services etc, leverage access to global markets, and the government makes it conducive for global investors to come into Bangladesh, we will definitely see Unicorns ($1 Billion valuations) coming from Bangladesh" says Lathika S Pai to The Daily Star.
The Scale Up program consists of deep strategic and technology mentoring that will be provided to selected startups to grow. "Our target is to make sure that the best startups are ready to compete and operate globally. With Microsoft's support we help startups go from market ready to enterprise ready, ensuring access to Microsoft's enterprise clients. To ensure a flourishing ecosystem, B2B startups will be mentored and provided with support at every step. They will be connected to a huge audience where Microsoft will play a big role in collaborating with technological support". She added.
When she was asked to provide a viewpoint about the Bangladeshi startups competing on global scale, she said, "I have witnessed startup ecosystems in a number of nations, and I believe that Bangladesh will definitely progress and have a global impact with their innovative ideas. It won't be very long before the startup ecosystem in Bangladesh will be blooming on a global scale."
'Microsoft for Startups' has rolling admissions where 'Series A' funded, B2B, revenue generating and enterprise technology startups can apply to the Scale Up Program.
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