Last Tuesday (February 13th), Microsoft IDEES celebrated its first year in the French senate. IDEES is a very smart and successful initiative in which Microsoft helps 50 French software startups. They provide some funding but also access to Microsoft resources, both people and technology. Having been involved with several companies that are part of the program, I can confirm that the startups love it.
The program is very interesting for both parties: for Microsoft, it provides great PR. They even had TV advertising on prime time! They look like a cool company supporting the French software industry and help creating jobs in France (mostly high level R&D). They are also building the ecosystem for the future—also very good for their business. All that for a reasonable budget of allegedly less than 1M€. For the companies, it provides useful marketing dollars but also helps them to leverage the right resources within Microsoft (tough from France!). It also provides credibility in the sales process with large account both in France as well as internationally.
On a more political note, it was nice to see some key politicians (Fillon and Santini to name only two) being part of the celebration, even if the organizer was a much reviled US company. The political speeches were reasonably good and pragmatic, i.e.: supporting an initiative that helps French companies grow and become leaders.
For a detail account of the day, check Julien Codorniou’s blog. Julien is doing a great job at running the program.
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