Microsoft Ventures, iSprit organize Think Next program for startups

Microsoft Ventures and iSPIRT Foundation recently organised the second chapter of Think Next program, aimed at resolving the key issues responsible for the lack of meaningful exits in India's software product industry, which is a major cause for concern among India's product startups. 

Under this joint program they will conduct workshops to prepare Indian entrepreneurs for M&A, focusing on due diligence, valuation and presenting on their behalf to potential acquirers. As part of their M&A connect program, iSPIRT will continue to build deep relationships with corporate development teams in large organizations to gain insights into their mandates and priorities, and work closely with VCs and entrepreneurs to help facilitate exits through acquisitions.

Announcing the new set of initiatives, Ravi Narayan, director, Microsoft Ventures in India, said, "With Think Next, we are looking to foster talks and open serious discussions on how key players in the startup ecosystem can contribute to its growth. The lack of meaningful M&A's has been a major deterrent to the growth of software product startups in India. In iSPIRT we found a likeminded partner who was equally passionate about resolving this, and hence we decided to work together. There are many more issues plaguing the Indian startup ecosystem, which are emerging through discussions with our industry partners."

Sharing his excitement at partnering with Microsoft Ventures, Sanat Rao, Partner, M&A, iSPIRT, said, "2014 has been a ‘blowout' year for global technology M&A so far. However, it's a different story for India's software product industry. While Indian product companies are investing in innovation, we need to help solve the discovery problem to ensure meaningful and successful exits. And that's what we will focus on, in association with Microsoft Ventures."