Latest news with #MicrosoftforStartups
Forbes
29-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Brands That Show Up As Human Are The Ones Breaking Through
Ran Wei Baker is Head of Marketing at Microsoft for Startups, focused on human-centered storytelling and founder-first brand building. In a time when content is everywhere and attention is scarce, what makes someone stop scrolling, lean in and actually care? It's not the latest product release. It's not a flashy campaign slogan. More often than not, it's a moment of real human connection: a story that feels honest, relatable and rooted in something deeper than features and benefits. As marketers, we've all heard that 'authenticity matters.' But too often, it's treated as a tactic rather than a core strategy. The truth is, when authenticity leads, connection and results follow. At Microsoft for Startups, we work with early-stage companies around the world to help them build fast, scale smart and sell more. While our value proposition includes access to cloud infrastructure, technical support and go-to-market resources, what consistently performs best across every channel isn't what we offer, but who we serve. By centering our brand storytelling on our founders—their challenges, their grit, their missions—we've been able to create more immediate, emotional and lasting engagement with our audience. And this is something any marketer can apply, regardless of industry or company size. Here are three tips for applying this strategy in your own organization: • Lead with people, not products. Instead of starting with features, start with the humans behind the innovation. What drives them? What have they overcome? What do they believe in? • Make your users the storytellers. Let your customers and community narrate the impact. Real voices build real trust. • Use every format to humanize. On social, share behind-the-scenes moments. On your blog, go deeper than surface-level wins. At events, invite users to speak to their lived experience, not just to the product or technology. Founder Stories That Spark Connection Consider the example of Thea Myhrvold, founder of Getbee, a startup rethinking how people buy and sell online by reintroducing human interaction into digital commerce. At a time when online shopping has become largely transactional, Getbee's live video platform enables real-time connection between brands and consumers. When Microsoft for Startups featured Thea's journey, from her early experience in retail to her vision for more engaging online experiences, the response stood out. Audiences connected not just with the product, but with Thea herself: Her energy, her expertise and her passion for innovating at the intersection of technology and humanity made the story instantly compelling. The piece sparked higher-than-usual engagement and led to follow-up interest from partners and other founders. Another example is Typeface, a startup helping brands scale personalized content creation using generative AI. What stands out in their story isn't just the technology, but their mission to help marketers create with both speed and authenticity. When we highlighted the founder's perspective on democratizing creativity, it sparked conversations beyond AI, touching on the evolving role of brand voice and the future of storytelling. I recommend asking yourself: Who are the people behind your brand? What stories are waiting to be told? Replicating The Approach Across Channels We've replicated this approach across formats, and here's how you can, too: • On social, share snapshots of your users pitching, building and reflecting on their "why." • On your website and blog, highlight user stories that look beyond the usual success metrics, exploring what drives them and what they've had to overcome. • When hosting events, encourage your customers to go beyond the demo and speak to the journey that got them there. Final Thought: Making It About Meaning These stories remind us that audiences aren't just craving inspiration; they're craving connection. In a world of polished noise, the unpolished often feels most powerful. For fellow marketers, especially those in high-growth or innovation spaces, here's my challenge: Don't just tell us what your product does; tell us what it means to the people using it. Let your users, customers and communities be the storytellers. Show us the impact through their eyes. The most powerful brand stories today aren't about the product. They're about the people it empowers. Authenticity isn't just good storytelling—it's good strategy. And as platforms, preferences and attention spans continue to evolve, I believe it will only become more essential to how we build meaningful, memorable brands. Forbes Communications Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
InSilicoTrials Joins Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Healthcare
WILMINGTON, Del., June 11, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--InSilicoTrials, a health tech company developing simulation-based solutions for drug development, today announced its acceptance into the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program, an, invitation-only initiative within Microsoft for Startups, designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential startups. This milestone marks a significant step in InSilicoTrials' mission to modernize healthcare R&D through AI and in silico simulation technologies. The Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program connects growth-stage startups with Microsoft's global sales channels and enterprise customer network. The program is designed for startups with demonstrated product-market fit and the ability to scale in sectors such as AI, healthcare, cybersecurity, and retail. As part of the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program, InSilicoTrials will use Microsoft Azure's cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities to further develop its digital simulation platform. This platform supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as researchers, in accelerating R&D, optimizing clinical trial designs, and reducing dependence on traditional clinical studies. InSilicoTrials' technology includes digital twin and virtual patient models, AI-based simulations, and privacy-preserving synthetic patient populations—tools designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug development. "InSilicoTrials is focused on expanding access to simulation and AI tools that help life sciences organizations de-risk faster development of safer, more effective treatments," said Luca Emili, CEO at InSilicoTrials. "Joining the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program allows us to scale our reach, enhance our integration with Microsoft Azure, and bring the benefits of in silico trials to more customers worldwide." Participation in the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program will also enable InSilicoTrials to offer its solutions via the Azure Marketplace, making it easier for enterprise customers to access its cloud-based platform. The company will also engage in co-sell opportunities and joint go-to-market efforts alongside Microsoft's technical and sales teams. "We are pleased to welcome InSilicoTrials into the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program. We look forward to supporting their efforts to bring advanced digital simulation and AI technologies to life sciences organizations that are transforming healthcare, accelerating innovation and accelerating drug development," commented Sally Ann Frank, Global Lead for Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft for Startups. For more information about InSilicoTrials and its digital healthcare solutions, visit About InSilicoTrials InSilicoTrials is a digital health startup founded by experts in life sciences, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Its cloud-based platform leverages AI and simulation to predict drug safety and efficacy, accelerate R&D, and streamline clinical trial processes for pharmaceutical, biotech, and research organizations. With a global network of more than 70 scientific partners and hundreds of integrated models, InSilicoTrials is helping organizations modernize and improve drug development workflows. View source version on Contacts email address: phone number: +1 (571) 478-0693 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
11-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
InSilicoTrials Joins Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program to Accelerate Digital Transformation in Healthcare
WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- InSilicoTrials, a health tech company developing simulation-based solutions for drug development, today announced its acceptance into the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program, an, invitation-only initiative within Microsoft for Startups, designed to accelerate the growth of high-potential startups. This milestone marks a significant step in InSilicoTrials' mission to modernize healthcare R&D through AI and in silico simulation technologies. The Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program connects growth-stage startups with Microsoft's global sales channels and enterprise customer network. The program is designed for startups with demonstrated product-market fit and the ability to scale in sectors such as AI, healthcare, cybersecurity, and retail. As part of the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program, InSilicoTrials will use Microsoft Azure's cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities to further develop its digital simulation platform. This platform supports pharmaceutical and biotech companies, as well as researchers, in accelerating R&D, optimizing clinical trial designs, and reducing dependence on traditional clinical studies. InSilicoTrials' technology includes digital twin and virtual patient models, AI-based simulations, and privacy-preserving synthetic patient populations—tools designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of drug development. 'InSilicoTrials is focused on expanding access to simulation and AI tools that help life sciences organizations de-risk faster development of safer, more effective treatments,' said Luca Emili, CEO at InSilicoTrials. 'Joining the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program allows us to scale our reach, enhance our integration with Microsoft Azure, and bring the benefits of in silico trials to more customers worldwide.' Participation in the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program will also enable InSilicoTrials to offer its solutions via the Azure Marketplace, making it easier for enterprise customers to access its cloud-based platform. The company will also engage in co-sell opportunities and joint go-to-market efforts alongside Microsoft's technical and sales teams. 'We are pleased to welcome InSilicoTrials into the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program. We look forward to supporting their efforts to bring advanced digital simulation and AI technologies to life sciences organizations that are transforming healthcare, accelerating innovation and accelerating drug development,' commented Sally Ann Frank, Global Lead for Health & Life Sciences at Microsoft for Startups. For more information about InSilicoTrials and its digital healthcare solutions, visit About InSilicoTrials InSilicoTrials is a digital health startup founded by experts in life sciences, cybersecurity, and digital innovation. Its cloud-based platform leverages AI and simulation to predict drug safety and efficacy, accelerate R&D, and streamline clinical trial processes for pharmaceutical, biotech, and research organizations. With a global network of more than 70 scientific partners and hundreds of integrated models, InSilicoTrials is helping organizations modernize and improve drug development workflows.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Orchestry Joins Microsoft Pegasus Program, Now Transactable in Azure Marketplace
VANCOUVER, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Orchestry, an all-in-one Microsoft 365 management platform, announced today its inclusion in the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program and availability as a transactable solution in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. This milestone strengthens Orchestry's commitment to helping enterprises streamline Microsoft 365 governance, drive user engagement, and accelerate Copilot adoption. Being part of the Pegasus Program, a global invitation-only initiative, positions Orchestry among high-impact organizations primed to scale with Microsoft's advanced enterprise resources and sales network. Additionally, Orchestry's listing in the Azure Marketplace brings seamless purchasing opportunities and Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) benefits to its enterprise customers. "We're thrilled to join the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program and become fully transactable in Microsoft Azure Marketplace. These developments reflect our shared commitment with Microsoft to empower enterprises to maximize their Microsoft 365 investments by simplifying governance and enabling Al readiness," said Orchestry CEO Michal Pisarek. Microsoft for Startups Partner Tom Davis added, "We're highly selective about the startups we choose to bring into the Pegasus Program, and Orchestry is a testament to that. Their platform gives Microsoft 365 administrators the power to manage environments at scale, which ultimately leads to a better experience for end users and improved security. We're proud to have them as part of the program and delighted to welcome them to the Azure Marketplace." Game-changing Benefits for Microsoft 365 Users Orchestry's platform is built to address critical challenges faced by Microsoft 365 users, including sprawl management, compliance enforcement, and driving engagement with tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Key benefits include: Copilot Readiness: Automates governance, organizes data, and ensures compliance to prepare environments for Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption Boosting MAU: Simplifies Microsoft 365 navigation to increase daily active use Optimizing ROI: Reduces costs by efficiently managing storage and licenses Security & Governance: Enforces IT policies and reduces risks while enabling secure collaboration. Enterprise customers like Fund Evaluation Group have highlighted Orchestry's tangible impact, reporting streamlined Microsoft 365 experiences and $200K in savings. Through advanced archiving, provisioning, and intelligent recommendations, Orchestry offers unparalleled support in managing Microsoft 365 environments. Microsoft Azure Marketplace and MACC Benefits Orchestry's availability in the Azure Marketplace simplifies procurement processes for enterprise customers. Organizations under MACC agreements can apply their commitments to purchase Orchestry, reducing financial liabilities while enhancing operational efficiency. About Orchestry Orchestry is an all-in-one enterprise-grade Microsoft 365 management platform that provides unparalleled predictive insights and automated governance. By ensuring secure, cost-effective, and Al-ready workspaces, Orchestry empowers organizations to achieve operational agility, enhanced compliance, and strategic growth. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Orchestry Software View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Orchestry Joins Microsoft Pegasus Program, Now Transactable in Azure Marketplace
VANCOUVER, BC, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ - Orchestry, an all-in-one Microsoft 365 management platform, announced today its inclusion in the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program and availability as a transactable solution in the Microsoft Azure Marketplace. This milestone strengthens Orchestry's commitment to helping enterprises streamline Microsoft 365 governance, drive user engagement, and accelerate Copilot adoption. Being part of the Pegasus Program, a global invitation-only initiative, positions Orchestry among high-impact organizations primed to scale with Microsoft's advanced enterprise resources and sales network. Additionally, Orchestry's listing in the Azure Marketplace brings seamless purchasing opportunities and Azure Consumption Commitment (MACC) benefits to its enterprise customers. "We're thrilled to join the Microsoft for Startups Pegasus Program and become fully transactable in Microsoft Azure Marketplace. These developments reflect our shared commitment with Microsoft to empower enterprises to maximize their Microsoft 365 investments by simplifying governance and enabling Al readiness," said Orchestry CEO Michal Pisarek. Microsoft for Startups Partner Tom Davis added, "We're highly selective about the startups we choose to bring into the Pegasus Program, and Orchestry is a testament to that. Their platform gives Microsoft 365 administrators the power to manage environments at scale, which ultimately leads to a better experience for end users and improved security. We're proud to have them as part of the program and delighted to welcome them to the Azure Marketplace." Game-changing Benefits for Microsoft 365 Users Orchestry's platform is built to address critical challenges faced by Microsoft 365 users, including sprawl management, compliance enforcement, and driving engagement with tools like Microsoft Teams and SharePoint. Key benefits include: Copilot Readiness: Automates governance, organizes data, and ensures compliance to prepare environments for Microsoft 365 Copilot adoption Boosting MAU: Simplifies Microsoft 365 navigation to increase daily active use Optimizing ROI: Reduces costs by efficiently managing storage and licenses Security & Governance: Enforces IT policies and reduces risks while enabling secure collaboration. Enterprise customers like Fund Evaluation Group have highlighted Orchestry's tangible impact, reporting streamlined Microsoft 365 experiences and $200K in savings. Through advanced archiving, provisioning, and intelligent recommendations, Orchestry offers unparalleled support in managing Microsoft 365 environments. Microsoft Azure Marketplace and MACC Benefits Orchestry's availability in the Azure Marketplace simplifies procurement processes for enterprise customers. Organizations under MACC agreements can apply their commitments to purchase Orchestry, reducing financial liabilities while enhancing operational efficiency. Orchestry is an all-in-one enterprise-grade Microsoft 365 management platform that provides unparalleled predictive insights and automated governance. By ensuring secure, cost-effective, and Al-ready workspaces, Orchestry empowers organizations to achieve operational agility, enhanced compliance, and strategic growth.
