The program, which is known as Hi-Po, derived from the term "high potential", will begin from July. As per the ET report, “The accelerator will pick Series A funded companies of VC firms to work alongside other startups for four months, sans any financial investment from either side.”
Up until now, nearly 63 startups have graduated from Microsoft Ventures. Out of this, 70% of the startups have raised funds. The accelerator has been constantly fiddling with its model to focus on startups that have grown to an extent. The company had launched two new programmes— Scale Up and Accelerator Plus—for late-stage firms in March.
"It's a win-win for all of us. Startups get two parents to look after them. And we can get a bigger bouquet of offerings for our customers who use the Microsoft platform. For VCs, it is a great way to mitigate risk," Narayan told ET. (Image: Microsoft)