Microsoft has unveiled its Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program which connects growth-stage startups to thousands of Microsoft’s customers.
Pegasus is an extension of the company’s Founders Hub Platform and provides startups additional support by driving top-line revenue for those that have already achieved product-market fit in industries, including AI, health and life sciences, cybersecurity and retail.
Pegasus is a two-year program and is invite only for startups from the Founders Hub community who are leveraging Microsoft technology.
In its pilot stages, Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program has already helped over a hundred startups land enterprise customers, with an average deal size of $350,000.
The program provides opportunity generation for startups. Receiving support from industry experts, go-to-market assistance and access to Microsoft technology, startups will also get a dedicated Cloud Solution Architect (CSA) supporting their technical success, preferred access to Azure’s AI offerings and up to $350,000 in technology credits spanning Azure, GitHub and LinkedIn.
Hans Yang, general manager, Microsoft for Startups, said: “At Microsoft, we are always looking for ways to empower every person and organization to do more and so we’re excited to help startups accelerate growth through the Pegasus Program.”
Andy Pandharikar, founder and CEO of Commerce.AI, said: “Many startups struggle when it comes to enterprise sales.
“Working with Microsoft for Startups helps us understand how enterprise customers look at and purchase new innovative products, and through this program we have been able to close nearly $1m in deals.”
Geof Hannigan, executive director and principal scientist at Merck, said: “At Merck, we seek innovation in digital life sciences technologies.
“Working with enterprise-ready startups like those in the Pegasus Program is important to develop digital-enabling technologies that can advance drug discovery and development.”
