Microsoft and TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) have entered into a global strategic partnership with an objective to promote and support local software economies across the world. Led by the India subsidiary of Microsoft, this partnership will facilitate global programmes for startups and entrepreneurs.

Microsoft, on its part, will provide access to software, services, technical guidance and markets; while TiE will facilitate access to nearly 15,000 entrepreneurs, Venture Capitalists, Private Equity firms, law firms, and technology and management professionals.

Expressing his views on this partnership, Paul Murphy, Director, Innovation, Microsoft India said, "This investment is in line with our strategic goal to develop knowledge economies across the world. In India, for instance, the partnership with TiE will enable Indian entrepreneurs across all sectors to move up the global value chain by building intellectual property and applying IT to their business for a competitive edge."

"To help foster an environment of continuous innovation, Microsoft provides a broad range of policies, programmes, and products that are focused on a commitment to responsible and ethical business practices that promote user choice, industry opportunity, interoperability, and transparency. Our partnership with TiE provides Microsoft the ability to further this commitment," Paul added.
Speaking on behalf of TiE, Suren Dutia, CEO, TiE Global, said, "Partnership with an industry leader like Microsoft will enable us to achieve the goal of building a healthy environment of entrepreneurship - the single most powerful instrument towards growth."