BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

Microsoft extends ‘Ventures’ startup programme to Africa

Microsoft extends ‘Ventures’ startup programme to Africa
Simnikiwe Mzekandaba
By Simnikiwe Mzekandaba, IT in government editor
14 Oct 2013

Software giant Microsoft has announced plans to expand its 'Ventures' partnership programme into Africa.

Launched in June, the Microsoft Ventures programme is a coordinated global effort to offer tools, resources, expertise to startups through partnerships with accelerators around the world, reads a statement.

And according to a company statement the programme’s African expansion plans, which are part of the recently launched Microsoft 4Afrika Initiative, are expected to prioritise startups in key sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare.

“Through the 4Afrika Initiative, we are deeply committed to fostering African innovation and to fueling Africa’s economic growth and competitiveness, and we are very proud to see Microsoft Ventures extend its reach into the African continent,” said Amrote Abdella, director, 4Afrika Venture Capital and Startup Programs.

He added, “We strongly believe that with the right support, African startups hold tremendous potential to impact both their local economies and the world’s perception of African-led innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Meanwhile, 88mph has been selected as the first African accelerator to partner with Microsoft Ventures.

88mph is a private seed fund that provide early-stage web/mobile companies with funding through a 3-month startup accelerator programme.

Microsoft Ventures and 88mph are expected to provide startups with mentorship, technology guidance, seed funding, joint selling opportunities and more, according to the statement.

“Microsoft is a company that deeply understands the value of the ecosystem, and we believe that by working together, 88mph and Microsoft can offer a world-class launch pad to African startups looking to achieve true scale,” said Nairobi director of 88mph, Nikolai Barnwell.

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