Microsoft for Startups to boost focus on UAE: Croci

The global giant Microsoft is set to boost its startups business in the UAE and new year could see it extending its reach to wider economic sectors.

The Microsoft for Startups is a free, global programme dedicated to helping B2B startups successfully scale their companies. The tech giant provides startups with access to powerful technology including Azure and GitHub Enterprise coupled with a streamlined path to selling alongside Microsoft.

Roberto Croci, managing director of Microsoft for Startups MEA, said: In 2021 we will see new business models being launched which will sit at the crossroads of different industries with a greater focus on customer experience. Startups need to focus on building sustainable businesses, as smart investors will prioritise companies that have serious and robust business models. A focus on reasonable growth rather than growth at any cost will drive focus on profitability and unit economics. Startups will also leverage the opportunity of tapping into global talent through remote work and build resilient and more diverse teams.

The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (Adio) recently partnered individually with Microsoft and Plug and Play on a range of initiatives to provide founders and entrepreneurs with tools and resources to successfully scale their businesses and realise ideas that drive positive impact.

In 2021 we are going to work closely with the UAE government, private sector, academia and other stakeholders to bridge the gaps in the ecosystem and drive forward a series of partnerships and initiatives to empower startups from across the UAE to achieve more, grow and scale with go to market and co-sell support, build great products and teams leveling up the playing field across region, while focusing on social impact, female founders, youth and UAE nationals, and building a vibrant regional community, said Croci.

The pandemic has just accelerated the use of digital technologies for businesses to fast-track their transformation journey enabling new business models, and startups can play a vital role in driving this next wave of data driven innovation in the region. Aiming to encourage and empower entrepreneurialism, Microsoft for Startups aims to lighten the burden for small businesses and those starting out with a new idea, by reducing costs through the scalable cloud.

Microsofts strategic partnerships speak to our commitment as a global technology partner to enable budding entrepreneurs to develop, scale, and build transformational businesses with the power of technology, concluded Croci.

sandhya@khaleejtimes.com