Microsoft extends Startups program with Pegasus Program

It’s apparent that while starting up a new business, a lot of elaborate measures need to be in place for it to be a successful and profitable venture. This includes beating the long sales cycles and complying with the regulatory measures put in place while simultaneously ensuring that the products in circulation meet the set standard.

As such, Microsoft has debuted the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program which is an extension of the Founders Hub platform. According to the company, the program will link startups with some of Microsoft’s top customers to help mitigate the issues highlighted above.

Essentially, through the program, Microsoft is able to link customers facing certain challenges in their businesses with startups that are providing services that will help mitigate these issues.

According to Microsoft, the new program will provide startups with extra support “by driving top-line revenue for those that have already achieved product-market fit in industries, including AI, healthcare, cybersecurity, and retail.”

Andy Pandharikar, the founder and CEO of Commerce.AI indicated that a lot of startups encounter a lot of issues when it comes to enterprise sales and further added that:

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 $1 million in deals.

Per Microsoft statistics, via the Pegasus Program, over a hundred startups have already been linked with eligible enterprise customers while it’s still in pilot, which closely translates to $350,000.

Here are some of the perks that come with joining the program:

First up, startups will gain access to key industry players that will help them identify sales opportunities in their specific sector. The industry players also double up as trusted advisors for them.

Next up, startups will also have the chance to work closely with go-to-market experts from Microsoft. The expert will place them in an advantageous position where they’ll be able to access the best resources which will help them generate and develop lucrative deals.

Additionally, the program will grant startups access to Microsoft technology which includes 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 (including Azure OpenAI Service), GitHub, and LinkedIn.”

Currently, Microsoft hasn’t opened up the program to everyone. The company only invites startups that are part of its Founders Hub community, particularly those building with its technology.