Lightning Lab is the first digital accelerator programme in New Zealand and the only southern hemisphere-based programme among Microsoft Ventures’ 14 global accelerators. Lightning Lab will receive sponsorship from both Microsoft Ventures and Microsoft New Zealand.
Thiago Almeida, technical evangelist from Microsoft New Zealand, is leading Microsoft’s mentoring process at Lightning Lab. Speaking about the partnership, Almeida said:”We are backing potential in startup communities all over the world and Lightning Lab is a leading engine in the New Zealand startup scene, building a great track record internationally. We see this as a way to help foster innovation across the country, to help startups and entrepreneurs by being in the room with them, aside from supporting financially and with product.”
Lightning Lab director Dan Khan considers the partnership to be a “huge endorsement” of the accelerator program, as well as, the companies participating in the program.
“It’s great to have this partnership with an outfit like Microsoft Ventures, alongside other great programmes like 500 Startups and SeedCamp, to name a couple. We have been working hard to build on the success from Lightning Lab 2013, and while the hard work is still ahead, it’s extremely encouraging for the startups this year and for the investors who have put their money back into Lightning Lab to be one of the accelerators Microsoft Ventures is recognising globally.”
Lightning Lab 2014 started on 3rd March and will finish on 28th May with a Demo Day, considered to be the largest gathering of professional investors in the New Zealand. This is the second year for this program.