Got a promising tech startup? Here’s your chance to take it interstellar with Microsoft
Applications are open for Microsoft Ventures UK's next Accelerator programme - but hurry, because they close on 7 January
Microsoft Ventures, with a little help from Stuff, is on the lookout for a new group of technology startups to take to the next level.
The 14-week Accelerator course run at its London premises in Whitechapel immerses new tech companies in what it calls a “‘mini-entrepreneurial MBA’ that will compress your time to launch and help turn your startup into a profitable business”. It offers office space, workshops, mentorship and access to its (massive) little black book and vast computing resources. Naturally, only the best are chosen.
If you think your company has what it takes to make it into the next Accelerator, you can apply right here. (You’ll need to have seed funding to be able to apply. And don’t forget to mention that Stuff sent you!)
Applications are open until 5 January 2015. Later in January, chosen applicants will come to London for MSV Madness, where they get to pitch their ideas to a panel of industry experts. These judges will pick the very best for the next cohort, which starts on 2 March 2015 . One additional ‘People’s Choice’ place will be voted for right here on Stuff, just as it was last July.
UPDATE: Please note that the Stage 2 Evaluation process has now changed to allow for more in-depth interviews with each applicant. As such, MSV Madness, the Wild Card place and the People’s Choice vote on Stuff.tv will not take place this time. For more information on the evaluation process, please see description here – and apologies for any inconvenience.
Are you as smart as SAM Labs? Is your idea as fancy as Fove’s?
Stuff has been following the progress of some of this year’s top Accelerator startups through a series of diaries, and we’ll be doing the same with March’s cohort.
Read about what Dan Hubert, creator of ingenious parking space finder app AppyParking, has been up to here. Or immerse yourself in Fove’s eye-tracking VR world here. Want to find out how SAM Labs Kickstarted its DIY Internet of Things kit? Read more here.
Here’s what happened last time…
During the programme, startups get to work with businesses, professional services and venture firms to ensure they emerge fighting fit. Microsoft Ventures has also received recognition from a range of organisations involved in the UK technology space, including Tech City UK, London & Partners, Capital Enterprise, TIGA and Ukie. You can get a flavour of the kind of activities they get up to in the video above.
It all culminates with an event called The Pitch, where startups have the opportunity to present their businesses to the great and the good from the London tech venture world. And then have a few drinks with them. Check out the video below from last December’s event at legendary music venue Koko in Camden, London.
There’s another back door…
Competition for these money-can’t-buy Accelerator places is tough, but who gets to pitch isn’t solely determined by the people sifting applications: one wildcard place at MSV Madness will be voted for by Stuff readers, giving another startup the chance to benefit from Microsoft’s mentorship.
Got it? Good. Remember, here’s the application page, and you have until 7 January to get yours together. Best of luck!
UPDATE: Please note that the Stage 2 Evaluation process has now changed to allow for more in-depth interviews with each applicant. As such, MSV Madness, the Wild Card place and the People’s Choice vote on Stuff.tv will not take place this time. For more information on the evaluation process, please see description here – and apologies for any inconvenience.
Will Findlater
Contributing Editor 
