Microsoft said it’s bringing the Startups Founders Hub to
startups in Africa through new initiatives by the Africa Transformation Office.
The Founders Hub, according to Microsoft tries to remove
traditional barriers that startups face when building a company, adding that African
startups will be able to get free access to technology, coaching, and support
to hit their next milestone.
The self-service hub,
Microsoft Notes, it noted will provide startups with a wide range of resources. This
includes access to mentors, skilling content, tools like Microsoft Azure and
GitHub, and go-to-market and business support.
The Founders Hub also includes opportunities for startups
to sell to Microsoft’s corporate and enterprise customers. Helping with some of
the early challenges startups face when it comes to finding customers.
Microsoft will also support startups in geo-expansion activities, where
startups can scale up by selling in new countries or regions.
“The Founders Hub allows Microsoft to engage with accelerators,
incubators, and tech hubs across the continent“, says Gerald Maithya, Startups Lead, Microsoft Africa Transformation
Office.
This is part of new Microsoft initiatives under its
Africa Transformation Office to accelerate the growth of 10,000 African
startups and fast-track investment in Africa’s start-up ecosystem over the next
five years. Including the announcement of $500 million investment funding to
enable startups to rapidly scale. And new partnerships with accelerators and
incubators to provide startups with access to markets, technical skills, and
funding.
