The Expert Network is a benefits program within Founders Hub dedicated to connecting founders with experts in their field. From sales and finance to engineering and marketing, it’s a network of nearly 2,000 Microsoft professionals around the world who volunteer their time to help startup founders. Through the Expert Network, Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub members can schedule one-on-one meetings with industry experts across sales, marketing and engineering to find guidance and overcome challenges they face in building their companies.
Satori, a cybersecurity startup and Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program member, implements straightforward security management for security and engineering teams. Their platform provides security and engineering teams with an avenue to securely manage and control their data, and quickly access data while meeting strict compliance requirements. Founded by CEO Eldad Chai and CTO Yoav Cohen, running a startup and creating a community of support hasn’t been easy.
As we all know, the life of a startup founder can be challenging. With the help of a sales expert Chai met through the Expert Network, Sales Director of Global Strategic Accounts at Microsoft, Steve Milner, a multitude of opportunities and perspectives opened for Satori.
“One thing I learned from Steve you need to get in front of Microsoft professionals because they all have this view of these founders that fly private airplanes, money,” Chai tells Microsoft for Startups. “We know that’s not the case. So, all sorts of things that you don’t necessarily know when you try to engage with Microsoft that are really helpful.”
What is the Expert Network?
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub members gain access to a variety of resources including Expert Network which allows founders to search for experts that can answer a challenge or roadblock in their journey. This global network spans languages, regions, and departments. Whether you’re looking to improve LinkedIn proficiency, how to better market your solution, or better understand the Microsoft sales process—there’s someone to help.
“Microsoft is an amazing technology company, but the Expert Network is designed to provide all facets of business and expertise in that regard,” Expert Network lead, Rick Turoczy, explains. “So, don’t think of it as just tech support. Think of it as marketing, sales, or business support.”
Finding an expert within the Expert Network can be filtered down to a product and subject matter level. Turoczy continues: “You can really dial it in so that you can get right to the heart of your problem with an expert who’s deeply knowledgeable about what you’re struggling with.”
