Microsoft Ventures taps Berlin startup community

By IVCPOST Staff Reporter

Jul 25, 2013 08:20 AM EDT

Berlin was considered by investors as a startup haven, home to a booming startup scene due to an influx of large companies pouring investments. Microsoft, one of the world's leading technology firms, was the latest among these big players to join the Berlin party.

Just this year, several powerhouse companies ventured in the city in recognition of the bustling startup climate. Luxury auto manufacturer Mercedes Benz, Bosch, and HDI partnered to initiate a startup boot camp in the German city this year. In 2011, hub:ram was introduced. This was a program dedicated to venturing in Berlin companies, headed by Deutsche Telekom.

Along with these, a number of startup agencies were set up such as Make a Startup and Berlin Startup Academy.

Recently, the giant tech firm announced their Microsoft Ventures program. The company will launch new accelerators for startups all around the world, including Berlin. According to Microsoft, this is the perfect opportunity to venture into what analysts call "the Silicon Valley of Europe."

Microsoft's German emerging business lead Stephan Jacquemot described Berlin as a "vivid startup city."

"But it has to grow, and the city knows it, and the start-up scene knows it - it's still not there where it could be," he continued.

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