The BizSpark Program is a new global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage Startups by connecting them to Network Partners: active members of the global software ecosystem who can provide mentorship, guidance and resources to BizSpark Startups. BizSpark creates an ongoing, mutually beneficial ecosystem between Microsoft, Startups and Network Partners.

“In a challenging global economic climate, it is even more important to get the best possible marriage of business and technology to help us to deliver value to our customers” said Gerry Skews, a senior partner at Ythos. "A startup faces particular challenges, both in terms of raising capital, and developing the spark of genius into a commercially successful business. Having the right advice and support from experts in their field is invaluable."

Microsoft is committed to helping entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into sustainable, dynamic businesses and to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism. To this end, the BizSpark Program provides Startups with software, support and visibility at a time when they are most valuable and least affordable—during their first three years, with no upfront costs and minimal requirements.

BizSpark gives Startups fast and easy access to Microsoft’s current full-featured development tools, platform technologies as well as production licenses to bring to market innovative and interoperable solutions for the next generation of user experiences.

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Program, Startups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years, and have less than USD$1M in revenue.

Startups may enroll for the program by obtaining sponsorship from a designated BizSpark Network partner.

About Ythos

Ythos Ltd is a value added services company providing specialist consulting and information technology solutions.

The company is based in Cambridge, UK with associate consultants in many countries throughout the world. The company provides both software and business solutions to the public and private sector and provides technology access through both direct sales and technology transfer to end users and clients.

In September 2008 the company was acquired by Gerry Skews and Matthew Adams, two Cambridge based technology entrepreneurs that each have long careers and well documented experience in technology, product, software and business development.

Further information is available from www.ythos.net  and blogs.ythos.net