Microsoft #BizSpark Teams with #Startupbootcamp Amsterdam

 Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, the Dutch branch of the pan-European startup accelerator programme, is teaming up with Microsoft® BizSpark®. The latter will support the Amsterdam programme by allocating products, software services and organisational knowledge.

Microsoft BizSpark is a global programme that helps software start-ups succeed by giving them access to software development tools, business training and a network of over 2,000 partners to connect members with investors, advisors, and hosts. Microsoft BizSpark contributes to Startupbootcamp by supplying an extensive software package and products like Xbox’s Windows Phone 7 devices to use during the Startupbootcamp Amsterdam programme, and additionally Microsoft’s cloud services with up to $60.000,- (per start-up). Mark Voermans, Emerging Business Manager at Microsoft BizSpark, will be mentoring the start-ups for one day per week.

Patrick de Zeeuw, CEO of Startupbootcamp Amsterdam, is very enthusiastic about the partnership with Microsoft BizSpark. “Microsoft BizSpark is a fantastic programme focused on start-ups. BizSpark has an admirable track record and a great network in the international start-up scene. We’re proud to be part of this network and very pleased to be working with Mark Voermans as a mentor. In addition, our teams will be able to use MS Software which will prove invaluable in their current environment.” Mark Voermans, Emerging Business Manager at Microsoft BizSpark, has a clear view on why they established a partnership with Startupbootcamp. “Startupbootcamp is an established international accelerator. The team have a raft of knowledge and experience plus access to top flight mentors when it comes to supporting the start-ups. This knowledge and experience is vital to the success of the start-ups who have a limited amount of time to launch and attract investors.”

About Startupbootcamp
Startupbootcamp is a pan-European startup accelerator programme. We currently run accelerator programmes in Copenhagen, Dublin (runs February-May ’12), Amsterdam (runs April-June ’12) and Berlin (runs June-November ’12) and will soon be expanding to London. At this moment applications for Startupbootcamp Berlin are open. Applications close on June 17th 2012.

About Microsoft® BizSpark®
Microsoft® BizSpark® is a global program that helps software startups succeed by giving them access to software development tools, connecting them with key industry players, and providing marketing visibility. The program also includes access to Windows Azure, a flexible, comprehensive, and powerful cloud platform for the creation of web applications and services. In addition, BizSpark offers technical support, business training and a network of over 2,000 partners to connect members with incubators, investors, advisors, government agencies and hosters. Since it was established in 2008, more than 50,000 companies in over 100 countries have joined BizSpark.