Microsoft and Accenture have partnered to focus on business to business (B2B) startups in India. Under this partnership, both the firm will help growth-stage technology B2B startups boost their enterprise readiness and go-to market, and help achieve scale in national and international markets. While Microsoft is running a global Accelerator program, whereas Accenture Ventures partners with and invests in growth-stage companies that create solution for enterprise.
Microsoft Accelerator and Accenture Ventures will support growth-stage technology B2B start-ups in India specializing in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, augmented/virtual reality, blockchain, fintech, big data, security and customer experience solutions, and provide access to Accenture's global clients and Microsoft's global network.
Through this partnership both the firm will host various startup events and summits in India which will enable them to engage deeply with the startup network and bring new opportunities to innovate for clients. In the process, the ecosystem partnership will significantly strengthen the Indian B2B start-up network and support “Startup India” and “Digital India” programs, claimed Accenture.
“Startups are the centers of innovation, and over the past decade they have played a crucial role in disrupting many industries worldwide. Today, the need is to create a collaborative environment and bring start-ups and corporates together to co-create and co-innovate. Our partnership with Accenture showcases our commitment to connect start-ups with large corporates and help them scale up to become successful businesses,” said Bala Girisaballa, Managing Director, Microsoft Accelerator.
“At Accenture Ventures, we believe that an open innovation approach can help enterprises accelerate adoption of ‘The New', underpinned by innovation and digital. This ecosystem partnership is an example of how we orchestrate the innovation ecosystem and create opportunities for start-ups to grow and scale-up. We are excited about the unique value that Accenture Ventures and Microsoft Accelerator can together create for start-ups and enterprises,” said Avnish Sabharwal, managing director, Accenture Ventures, India.
