Investment Ready?

A couple of emails from Microsoft UK over the weekend drew my attention to an initiative being set up by Microsoft UK for their ISV Empower partner community.

Leveraging The Library House’s company research and analysis, Microsoft UK are searching for high-potential empower companies, selecting them based on public information including investment history, media attention and growth. A short-list of high-potential ISVs will be offered the chance to present at the inaugural Microsoft StartupZone Showcase (to be held on June 4th, Brussels). The event will offer an opportunity to mix with other high-potential CEOs, industry executives and VCs.

As part of the Microsoft - Library House initiative, ISV Empower partners are being allowed the opportunity to explore their investment readiness and receive feedback on their business with free online access to Run the Gauntlet. Entrants completing The Gauntlet receive a personal, confidential Report Card assessing their investment readiness, with an at-a-glance summary of strengths and weaknesses. By clicking on each of the 16 areas, they access in-depth feedback on how and why they have been scored and advice on how to improve their business and the answers they give investors.

Neat.