Microsoft has launched a new program to support UK start-up companies with “high potential” to reach their potential and achieve success.

The objective of the so called “Micorsoft Startup Accelerator Programme” is to help “high potential, high growth” companies improve their chances of survival, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer told PC Pro.

“Software offers huge opportunities for new U.K. businesses, but even great ideas and groundbreaking innovation are sometimes not enough to bring long-term success,” Ballmer said.

Startup Accelerator Programme support includes marketing and sales assistance to help accelerate their business commercially, technical assistance such as business-development sessions hosted by Microsoft and guidance on the company’s technologies and platforms.

At least five companies have already joined the scheme. These include: Miomni, which offers a new way of organizing and viewing the Internet on the basis of time; Zebtab, which has a desktop video application; Corebridge, which focuses in customer relationship management and communication software; Ether Digital, which has a platform for video content over IP; and ViaPost, which focuses on the security of electronic document delivery.

Founder of Via Post, Ben Way said “This is a great chance to tap into the vast resources, experience and knowledge that Microsoft can offer.”

“Startup businesses on the internet live and die on the quality of support they have access to and this new initiative can only help more web entrepreneurs in the UK to build sustainable and successful companies. It’s a fantastic opportunity for all of us involved.”

The program, apparently, could also bring Microsoft closer to the promising startups with technology that Microsoft would rather buy than develop itself.

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Entry was posted on Monday, October 1st, 2007 at 9:41 pm under Microsoft.

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