Microsoft's New Initiative 100X100X100 to Boost Indian B2B SaaS Startups

The initiative strives to bring together 100 companies and 100 'early-growth' startups that possess enterprise-grade software solutions. Another 100 stands for the $100,000 investment that these companies will get over 18 months on each promising service

Fremont, CA: Microsoft, the global tech giant, announced the launch of a new program called 100X100X100, intended to boost the Indian business-to-business (B2B), software-as-a-service (SaaS) startups. The initiative will provide significant financial, structural, and networking support to the nation's emerging corporate service providers.

The name '100X100X100' of this B2B SaaS acceleration program is derived from its function. The initiative strives to bring together 100 companies and 100 'early-growth' startups that possess enterprise-grade software solutions. Another 100 stands for the $100,000 investment that these companies will get over 18 months on each promising service. Microsoft has already chosen 50 startups for its program, it said in the announcement.

"This initiative will help build scale and create amazing opportunities for startups," said Microsoft India President Anant Maheshwari. "Businesses can now fast-track their digital journeys through easy adoption of enterprise-grade solutions."

Besides providing the selected B2B SaaS firms with a wealth of resources, Microsoft India will give the startups access to the Azure cloud platform, connection to other startups, mentorship and training programs, incubators, venture capital firms, and help with go-to-market activities. The participants of 100X100X100 will also gain access to the Microsoft industry and customer events.

There are a number of reasons why Microsoft is showing interest to bolster investments on India's B2B SaaS ecosystem. Though there is an established history that Microsoft always provides financial and software support to underprivileged organizations that need them, this initiative has some specific reasons. The tech giant is smartly putting down the stakes in an immensely profitable market, which is emerging with each passing year. Microsoft is providing Indian software startups with access to its cloud, thus ensuring that those firms keep using its products. Microsoft knows well that India is a growing region with a proven track record of developing successful B2B SaaS firms.

Accel partner Shekhar Kirani noted more Indian entrepreneurs should look to SaaS development when founding their companies. "Anyone with some coding skills and a cheap laptop can build a service and sell to the world," said the executive.

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