More than a few of my emerging ISV company are asking me – what will Microsoft be like after Bill retires? Who will be taking the lead Research and Strategy role -- Ray Ozzie?
Well, I was quite interested in those answers myself and did a little digging finding a recent podcast with Global Chief Research & Strategy Officer Craig Mundie on Microsoft’s Channel 9. It’s a worthwhile 25 minute interview for the public to get the inside scope with one of Microsoft’s most influential though leaders driving next generation products and services. He describes in fare detail his relationship working directly for Bill Gates past 8 years and taking over many of his day to day line responsibilities over the next two.
One big surprise for me was his background in startups right out of Georgia Tech, developing Super Computing subsequently acquired by Data General, and speaking of those days with fond memories stating deep down he’s “a startup kinda of guy”.
He was hired by Bill Gates in 1992 to drive Emerging Business for Microsoft and confesses many of these endeavors were none PC based, i.e. WebTV, Phone etc. However gave him a good broad view across Microsoft and enabling strategic developments continually rising through the ranks.
I was very encouraged to hear Craig’s interview learning he has a passion for startups like I do supporting Microsoft’s Emerging Business Team and that the future for Microsoft will continue to be the leading innovator of technology by developing a rich ISV startup partner ecosystem.
Today The Emerging Business Team is lead by Corporate Vice President Dan’l Lewin who focuses his portfolio managers primarily on venture backed startups. Dan’l is expanding the team focus globally identifying high profile startups showing the world betting on Microsoft .NET = winning.
I’m a startup kinda of guy too!
Cheers,
Don.
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