Microsoft Ventures India went way beyond their 4 month accelerator program when they built an awesome, thriving, engaging community of founders. All this with a mobile app.
About the accelerator program
Microsoft Ventures India runs an accelerator program since September 2012. Twice a year, they invite between 10 and 15 startups, chosen from the 1,000+ applications they receive. These few elites are then mentored and pushed to accelerate their business for 4 months.
All the founders that have taken part in the accelerator program have a strong bond: they are all entrepreneurs, and they have all been encouraged and motivated for several months at Microsoft Ventures.
Why a mobile app?
As Mr. Prasanna Krishnamoorthy, the CTO in residence, states:
Although we had a tightly knit group of startups, we lacked a tool to communicate and get together.
Microsoft Ventures India decided to give Minsh a try, and in July 2014, we launched the Microsoft Ventures India mobile app. The rules were clear from the start:
- only the startups, alumni, and staff from the accelerator program would be allowed to join. In total: approximately 60 startups and 100 people.
- the app would be available on all major platforms: iOS7+, Android 4+, and Windows Phone 8+.
Launch
When launching a new community app, the trickiest part is to get people to install it. Minsh provides support to all its clients for 30 days post-launch to help them promote their app and get members on-board. So, right after the official launch of the MSV app on July 22nd, 2014, We were there to help the staff make it a success. In summary:
- We started by getting all the MSV staff and the 12 startups currently in the accelerator program to join.
- We sent a bulk email to all the alumni to encourage them to install the app too.
- We sent individual emails to the alumni that hadn’t replied to the bulk email.
- We also used a few other tricks. But I’ll tell you more about how to successfully launch your community app in my next post.
Within 2 weeks, over 50 entrepreneurs had signed up, and by early September more than 70% of the alumni were on board.
Usage
The most striking metrics in this case study is how usage has grown in an organic way since the official launch. After 2 months, the community manager of the app didn’t need to post content anymore. Many members were already using the app on a daily basis and inviting latecomers to join them.
Prasanna Krishnamoorthy notes:
We have seen the engagement grow organically, which is a certain sign that our community loves it.
Community testimonials
The community members themselves are telling how satisfied they are with the app:
As one of the early adopters, I was amazed to see people signing in and engaging more and more in the app… to a point where there is now something interesting happening on a daily basis.
I love to post pictures and news about what’s happening at the accelerator right now. And I guess the alumni like it too, judging from the number of comments and likes I get!
Although I’m not often posting myself, I really enjoy reading the other founders’ posts and getting to know what’s happening at Microsoft Ventures. I readily open the app every time I get a push-notification.
Being from batch #1 and based in Hyderabad, it has been difficult for me to stay in touch with the staff at Microsoft Ventures and the other startups. With the app, I feel much more involved in the community and informed about the latest news. It’s been a wonderful experience so far.
Conclusion
Today, the staff at Microsoft Ventures India can reach their community in their pocket within seconds.
Mrs. Prathibha Sastry, the Head of Operations at MSV agrees:
Thanks to the app, I only need 30 seconds to notify our startup community about upcoming events. This is a wonderful tool to instantly broadcast information to members.
Microsoft Ventures India now has a direct and fast communication channel with its startup community.