Best Connections: Irish Software CEOs Converge at Microsoft’s Silicon Valley Campus

Published November 30th, 2009 by admin

This week the CEOs of 11 Irish software companies are converging at Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus. They’re here on an Enterprise Ireland-supported visit to learn how to broaden their business opportunities in the US by leveraging their relationship with Microsoft.

They represent the best of Irish software innovation, offering solutions for a range of applications that include telecommunications/mobile, social media/networking, e-learning/education, energy efficiency, financial services and information security.

Participant companies are already part of Microsoft’s BizSpark™ program or the Microsoft Partner Network and are interested in growing their business through export and expansion.

The pilot program is the second of its kind and an important initiative between Microsoft and Enterprise Ireland (EI) – part of EI’s overall strategy to grow the country’s software industry. A similar program aimed at the UK market generated some valuable connections and lucrative leads for participating companies.

This targeted approach, geared to accelerate the growth of high-potential software start-ups and early stage ISVs, aims to foster connections with potential partners, customers and investors.

For some of the innovators, the route to market is direct; for others, going global means navigating an indirect or electronic channel. But for all of them, success depends on identifying suitable strategic partners, negotiating effective partnership arrangements and managing third-party relationships – as quickly as possible.

With a significant presence in Ireland’s software community, Microsoft is a key partner enabling Enterprise Ireland client companies and high-growth ISVs. For almost 25 years, the company has contributed to the growth of Ireland’s vibrant software industry, catalyzing demand for the innovations pioneered by today’s technology entrepreneurs.

The popular BizSpark initiative has attracted more than 350 Irish early stage companies—more per capita than any other country—illustrating the depth of Ireland’s entrepreneurial talent pool. And, continuing its tradition of nurturing new software talent, Microsoft teamed with Dublin’s Guinness Enterprise Center earlier this year to create the world’s first BizSpark start-up cluster. Corporate Vice President for Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Dan’l Lewin, welcomed the CEOs to Microsoft’s Silicon Valley campus.

Cliff Reeves, GM, Emerging Business Team paid tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit that characterizes Ireland’s software industry. “Much of our success in Ireland can be attributed to the country’s culture of innovation. Here, a selection of BizSpark companies and Microsoft Certified partners are benefiting from a support package that will strengthen their ability to develop high-value products and compete internationally.”

Reeves continued, “In Ireland, they don’t just produce talented technologists; they breed ambitious entrepreneurs and small business pioneers. At Microsoft, we thrive on a constant flow of brilliant ideas. While these innovators are here this week to learn more about our product roadmaps, programs and marketing opportunities, we’re anxious to hear about their leading-edge solutions built on the Microsoft platform. It’s a pleasure to have them on our campus this week and we hope they make valuable connections with potential partners, customers and investors in conjunction with Microsoft.”

Microsoft initiated and executed on the idea with the help of EI’s West Coast office led by John McIntyre, EI’s West Coast manager and Senior Vice President of Software and Services. In the weeks leading up to the event, the team collaborated closely with their counterparts at EI in Dublin to lay the groundwork for a productive visit and create a compelling itinerary in the Valley. McIntyre noted that while this week’s visit is just the second in the pilot venture, it reveals the strong mutually beneficial ties shared by Enterprise Ireland and giants like Microsoft—not just in Ireland, but across the globe. Those ties have already yielded dividends for many EI clients. Success stories include Zignals—a new provider of decision-support tools for retail investors—the result of a collaborative effort between Microsoft’s IP Ventures team and EI, along with others.

Said McIntyre, “This program is a very practical approach to matching promising software solutions with relevant partners. It makes smart business sense and offers a win-win value proposition for the clients and prospective partners. For our clients, it means access to key contacts that can influence early success for their business. And it can strip some of the complexity and time associated with generating international leads. For prospective partners, the program offers potential first-mover advantages. It’s a window on creative new applications solutions percolating in the start-up trenches that could potentially increase the value of their offerings and sharpen their competitive edge.” said McIntyre.