Microsoft Accelerator is a global initiative by Microsoft to promote startups and foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Established in 2012, the program empowers startups at every stage of maturity by providing tools, resources, and expertise to help them succeed. Over the years, Microsoft Accelerator has helped numerous startups to grow, scale, and achieve remarkable success.

Microsoft Accelerator works in line with Microsoft's philosophy of enabling every person and organization in the world to achieve more. Through this program, the company focuses on building strategic relationships with startups in the technology sector. The accelerator combines access to capital, go-to-market resources and most importantly, access to Microsoft’s ecosystem of partners, customers and software solutions.

One of the success stories of the Microsoft Accelerator program comes from the Israeli cybersecurity startup, Hexadite. Hexadite joined the program in 2015 and after only two years, it was acquired by Microsoft itself for an estimated $100 million. This is a noteworthy example of the valuable opportunities and platforms that Microsoft Accelerator provides to promising startups.

The program boasts an impressive lineup of successful companies and founders. For instance, Piyush Jha, CEO and co-founder of Glimpse, a computer vision AI company, attributes much of his company's success to the support and mentorship they received at Microsoft Accelerator. Microsoft’s commitment to the startup ecosystem goes beyond just funding and includes providing a supportive community and deep technology collaboration.

One of the key benefits provided by Microsoft Accelerator is its integration with Microsoft's vast global network. For example, the accelerator often extends an invite to the global startup community to visit Microsoft's headquarters in Redmond, Washington. Here, startups have an opportunity to interact with Microsoft’s engineering teams, and to partner on making their solutions compatible with Microsoft's technologies.

Moreover, Microsoft Accelerator has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of the startup ecosystem. A key initiative was the launch of the SCALE program in 2018, aimed at startups at a later stage in their lifecycle. This program focuses on providing startups with opportunities to scale their operations to new markets.

In conclusion, Microsoft Accelerator represents a significant contribution by Microsoft to the global entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing mentorship, resources, and access to Microsoft's ecosystem, the accelerator program provides a conducive environment for startups to grow and succeed.