Microsoft HK creates new programme to support startups

Microsoft Hong Kong has launched its Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to help startups across Asia succeed by providing free access to technology, tools and other resources.The programme offers all-around support for all stages of startups based on direct input from founders.

Within the campaign, startups are able to access Microsoft technology including Microsoft 365, Teams, Power Platform and Power Automate Dynamics 365, as well as the use of GitHub Enterprise, and LinkedIn. The campaign is set to run for a minimum of two weeks, targeting local startups as well as universities, venture capitalists and public sector organisations.

Apart from the technology enablement that the programme offers, Founders Hub will be a starting point for startups to become part of Microsoft’s Partner Network, and be beneficial from a series of go-to-market services. More than 40 Hong Kong startups participated in the programme, including AlgoBot, Clearbot, Know Your Customer, and Sensestek.

In terms of mediums of promotions, the company is amplifying the campaign on social media including Microsoft's Facebook and LinkedIn pages and Hong Kong GM Cally Chan's LinkedIn page as well as a dedicated website. It will also be featured in media engagement and its media briefing engaged 10 local titles across the business and technology sectors, generating more than 30 pieces of coverage online and in print post-briefing. A further component includes regular column on the topic of the Hong Kong startup environment and Microsoft's relationship to it.

Furthermore, participating startups are eligible for a global mentorship programme through Microsoft’s network. This comprises advisory from Azure technical experts at any stage of implementation, and curated learning and content from the Microsoft for Startups Founders School, which aims to help founders understand how to reach their business goals and sharpen their technical development ability. Microsoft also enables startups to accelerate their presence in the market by helping them forge connections with a broad customer base.

Cally Chan, general manager of Microsoft Hong Kong and Macau, said: “We created the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub to help advance the startup ecosystem and strengthen the status of international innovation and technology centers such as Hong Kong,”

“Since launching the platform, Microsoft has empowered more than 2,000 Hong Kong startups through partnerships and local programmes. Together with HKSTP and Cyberport, we aim to continue to remove the barriers to success for local startups and ensure they fulfill their potential to positively impact the local market and beyond.” Chan added.

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