11 tech startups graduate from Microsoft Ventures

BANGALORE, INDIA: Microsoft Ventures in India has announced the graduation of 11 technology startups from the fifth batch of its Accelerator Program. The startups include CryptoPhoto, DabKick, Fairket, FlatPebble, Nifty Window, Playblazer, Appknox, DeltaX, ProHance, Tallenge and Trutech.

Microsoft Ventures also launched Think Next along with its startup ecosystem partners in May 2014 to deepen conversations on matters that will move the needle for the ecosystem. While the Think Next initiatives continue to be implemented programmatically, the roundtables help take stock and decide on the next set of steps.

Ravi Narayan, director, Microsoft Ventures in India, said: “This batch has made considerable progress during the four months with us, with seven of the 11 closing deals with clients outside India. Overseas VCs and investors are showing keen interest in our startups. It’s really heartening to see how our efforts are paying off in helping our startups get recognized at a global level. We are now gearing up to welcome our sixth batch, due to start early next year. Applications are coming in, and many are from international startups!”

Tzahi (Zack) Weisfeld, head of Microsoft Ventures Global Accelerators, said: “Every startup ecosystem is unique—in opportunities, challenges, culture and therefore in its level of maturity. While India still has a way to go before it catches up with either Silicon Valley or Israel on the startup ladder, I can see a lot of very positive changes happening here. Some very interesting ideas are emerging from India, which startups in US or Israel would never have perceived as a business worth pursuing. Innovative startups, backed by experienced as well as new founders are emerging in new technology areas, focusing on deep domain solutions."

Venkatesan Seshadri, CEO, FlatPebble, said: “Our four months in the Accelerator Program was a period of intense focus which helped us grow demand for our services 700 per cent and expand our offerings, thanks to the mentorship, enabling infrastructure and helpful peers. We are really happy we got this opportunity to accelerate our dreams!”

The 11 startups which graduated will continue to be supported by the Microsoft Ventures team both in India and abroad, as they work on customer connect and technology advancement.