Four startups currently progressing through the Microsoft Ventures Accelerator Plus programme, run by computing company Microsoft, have already begun discussions over acquisition, Microsoft Ventures director Ravi Narayan has told the Economic Times.
Narayan did not reveal the identity of the businesses in question. The deals could be announced later this month when the present batch of startups graduate from the accelerator.
“With the Accelerator Plus Programme we are looking at filling the gap which exists between setting up a start-up and raising series A round of funding,” Narayan said. “Four startups have been approached and the discussions are on.”
Microsoft Ventures is also examining the possibility of enrolling Southeast Asia-based startups into the next batch, which will begin in July. The unit is also assessing possible startup acquisitions of its own, with big data analytics a possible target area.
“We have not been very dramatic so far by venturing into new spaces and are looking at seed-funding innovation start-ups,” Narayan admitted. “One of the hot areas for startups is the space of big data and analytics. It has generated interest among VCs outside India as well in order to tap into data scientists on board.”