Microsoft opens Bing Fund business incubator

The fund is focused on startups in the field of mobile applications and the web. Preference will be given to young companies that already have a working prototype or website. In addition to funding, startups will be able to use Azure and Bing APIs with significant discounts. They will have early access to technologies developed by Microsoft Research. Microsoft also promises advice and mentoring from experienced employees of the company. The average size of investments is planned at the level of 50 - 100 thousand dollars in one startup.

In some cases, the corporation may be interested in buying startups, but this is not the main priority of the fund. Microsoft promises that after receiving funding, intellectual property and product will remain in the hands of the founders. Using a stack of Microsoft technologies for development is welcome, but not required. Start-up teams will be able to use the Microsoft offices in Bellevue, where the Miscrosoft machine learning and search units are located.

Sources: TechCrunch , VentureBeat .