Today in Sydney, Microsoft invited press and startup incubators to the launch of BizSpark Plus in Australia. Developer Evangelist for Microsoft, Catherine Eibner began by confirming BizSpark Australia now has more than 2,000 businesses in the program. Average of 2-3 developers per company using the Microsoft software.
Microsoft have partnered with startup incubators and accelerators around the globe, including a number of Australian companies. BizSpark Plus will provide US$ 60,000 worth of Azure services. BizSpark Plus offers are available to leading startups by invite-only through their relationship with BizSpark Plus Partners.
Microsoft described Australia as “one of the most active communities” in the world. For more information on BizSpark Plus, check out http://www.microsoft.com/BizSpark/Plus/
BlueChilli; Founder Institute; Microsoft; BlueChilli; York Butter Factory; Microsoft Australia; AngelCube; Microsoft Australia
Below is a list of Incubators / Accelerators / CoWorking business from Melbourne and Sydney that attended the event and who have partnered with Microsoft’s BizSpark Plus program.
Angel Cube is an early-stage investor, providing startups with up to $20k in seed capital, and offers opportunities to pitch at demo days. Their other services include mentoring and marketing support. AngelCube is taking 8 startup into their next round and have recently joined the global accelerators program.
More info @ http://www.angelcube.com/
Blu Chlli works a little differently than most of the other startup-supporting companies. They call it a Venture technology company, providing startups with 6-12 month of technology support. While other incubators provide business expertise and leave the founders to stumble through marketing and technology issues, BlueChilli helps startups take care of that side of the business.
More info @ http://www.bluechilli.com/
Fishburners is a Sydney-based co-working space, which is selective about who can use the space, which keeps the residents to the most motivated, passionate people. They believe its important for each person to add value to the collective space.
More info @ http://fishburners.org/
Founder Institute is a global network of starts and mentors that helps entrepreneurs launch tech companies. Founder Institute is actually based in Silicon valley, but expanding to Sydney with its 21st location. They focus on pre-seeding stage entrepreneurs, help with mentor advice with a local and global vision.
More info @ http://fi.co/
PushStart is a seed stage accelerator with an important focus on tech entrepreneurship. Along with the funding element, they also hold community events and help pair founders with mentors. They tout over 800 startup and mentor matches.
More info @ http://pushstart.com.au/
StartMate is a Y-Combinator style accelerator, which makes use of a group of executives who have been there and done that. Many of the executives have experience in raising money. Startups work with Startmate on a 90-day timeframe, with a clear focus on getting product to market and making them investment ready. From time to time, they take some startups to San Francisco to pitch. After only days into this program, 3 of this year’s startups are already generating revenue.
More info @ http://www.startmate.com.au/
York Butter Factory is a Melbourne-based, co-working space and investment company. During 2011, they made 8 investments in startups. Since launching, they have had 24 companies join.
More info @ http://yorkbutterfactory.com/
Microsoft Innovation Centre is launching in Brisbane later this year. While Microsoft have a number of innovation centres around the world, this is the first Australia. With a partnership from government and local business, the Microsoft Innovation Center will provide training and resources to startups.
