On November 3rd, Startup Moldova hosted an online workshop featuring Adrian Gheorghe, Partner Development Advisor Partner & ISVs at Microsoft CE1. The workshop provided valuable insights, tips, and tricks on Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. This article delves into the key features, benefits, and guidelines of the program, aiming to help startups make the most of this exceptional resource.

The Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub:

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a digital platform that provides startups with invaluable resources, mentorship, and access to essential tools. This hub is designed to help you overcome challenges and achieve your startup goals. What’s more, it is open to all startups, with no funding requirements.

Key Benefits:

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub offers a diverse range of benefits, tailored to your startup’s specific stage of development. Here’s a breakdown of what you can access:

1. Build at Your Own Pace: Enjoy up to $150,000 in free Azure credits, allowing you to develop and scale your product without worrying about infrastructure costs.

2. Development Tools: Gain free access to powerful development and productivity tools, including GitHub and Microsoft 365, to streamline your workflow.

3. Startup-Friendly Offers: Leverage exclusive offers from Microsoft partners such as OpenAI, Bubble, LinkedIn, Stripe, and Miro to boost your startup’s capabilities and reach.

4. Mentorship and Guidance: Receive invaluable mentorship and guidance from experienced business leaders and technical experts who can help you navigate the complexities of startup growth.

Tailored to Your Needs:

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is designed to cater to your specific needs based on your startup’s stage of development. The program is divided into four levels:

1. Ideate: If you’re refining your startup idea and prototyping your product, this level provides you with $1,000 in Azure credits to get started.

2. Develop: At this stage, as you develop your minimum viable product, you can access $5,000 in Azure credits and additional benefits as you progress.

3. Grow: Once you’ve launched your product and are focused on adding features and winning customers, you’ll receive $25,000 in Azure credits to help your startup scale.

4. Scale: If you’ve achieved product-market fit and are ready to focus on sales acceleration, you’ll get a substantial $150,000 in Azure credits, ensuring your startup can grow even faster.

Startup-Friendly Offers:

Microsoft’s partner offers are diverse and ever evolving, covering everything from fundraising support to access to cutting-edge technologies. Some of the trusted partners you can collaborate with include OpenAI, LinkedIn, Bubble, Stripe, and Miro.

Technical Support and Guidance:

One of the unique features of Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is the level of technical support and guidance it offers. You can access expert advice, technical assistance, and Azure technical support to help build and scale your product effectively.

Expert Guidance and Learning Resources:

The platform provides access to expert feedback, tailored learning paths, and a wealth of content and events aimed at helping you progress to the next stage, regardless of where you start. The Microsoft Expert Network offers expert advice on various topics, including product development and business planning.

Eligibility Criteria:

Before you get started, it’s essential to ensure your startup meets the program’s eligibility criteria. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is open to for-profit startups that are engaged in the development of a software-based product or service, and your startup must own the software, not license it. Additionally, startups must have received fewer than $10,000 in free Azure credits.

In conclusion, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a game-changing resource for startups at every stage of development. Whether you’re in the early ideation phase or ready to scale your business, this platform provides the tools, mentorship, and support you need to succeed. Take advantage of the benefits, connect with trusted partners, and access expert guidance to propel your startup toward greater success.

Get started today!

-Contact Adrian Gheorghe in order to have a guide intro in applying to the program – v-adgheorghe@microsoft.com,

-or simply access the link and get to know more about the Founders Hub – Microsoft for Startups | Microsoft

The workshop was organized by Startup Moldova, with support from USAID Moldova, the Embassy of Sweden in Chisinau, and UKAid.