Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program Expands Support for Innovative Startups Worldwide

REDMOND, Wash. Jan. 22, 2008 — Building on its commitment to support startups developing innovative software solutions on the Microsoft platform, Microsoft Corp. has added more than 30 companies to the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program. Launched in October 2007, the program is designed to help startups accelerate software development and market visibility through customized engagement plans comprising access to premier support staff, software licenses and subscriptions, new technologies, and/or access to Microsoft Technology Centers for software testing and architecture guidance. Nearly 20 companies were initially selected to join the program; today it is supporting more than 50 emerging businesses.

“When we launched the Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program last fall, our goal was to identify innovative early-stage startups that were a strategic fit for Microsoft and to create an exceptional opportunity for them to work with us and our global customer base for mutual success,” said Dan’l Lewin, corporate vice president of Strategic and Emerging Business Development at Microsoft. “We are very pleased with the excitement and momentum behind the program from the entrepreneurial community, and we will continue to focus on expanding the program to support the success of an even broader set of startups worldwide.”

One such startup participating in the program is Berkeley, Calif.-based StoreXperience Inc., a mobile-shopping solution provider. Since joining the program, StoreXperience has introduced a new mobile application enabling brands and stores to actively manage customer relationships and influence individual purchasing decisions in specific locations via mobile devices. Built on the Microsoft platform, StoreXperience easy Shopping converts shoppers’ mobile phones into personal shopping assistants by using new, interactive bar codes to more easily deliver rich product information and tailored offers and discounts.

“The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program provides the much needed resources and guidance we need to get a leg up on the competition,” said Hervé Pluche, president and co-founder of StoreXperience. “Since joining the program, we have overcome mission-critical technical challenges and have expanded our marketing and channel presence. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Microsoft to take our company to the next level.”

Microsoft is committed to serving as a valuable technology and business partner for emerging startups and investors. The Microsoft Emerging Business Team (EBT) has been working with the startup community since 1999, and today engages with hundreds of technology startups each year to identify those with the strongest potential to succeed in the market, shape the industry’s future, and enhance the overall value of Microsoft products and services for customers.

The team looks at a number of criteria, including marketability, growth potential, funding, management and management history, platform decisions, and strategic importance to Microsoft. The Microsoft Startup Accelerator Program has local implementation in France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom and the United States. Interested startups can apply via the process outlined at the Microsoft Startup Zone at http://www.microsoftstartupzone.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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