# Recession-Fueled Entrepreneurs Former Microsoft Employees Head Out On Their Own By TopDog | Published 2009-03-30 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-layoffs-could-spark-new-wave-of-innovation References: [nytimes](http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/29/jobs/29microsoft.html?_r=1) Former [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-mentorship-program) employees (affectionately known as Microsofties) could spark a new wave of innovation. Do these "Baby Bills" have what it takes to jump into the world of [entrepreneurial startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/startup-program)? StartPad.org said it would offer [free office space](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uninherited), free Internet access among other perks to any former Microsoft employee who is interested. That simply could not be enough, however, for the thousands of former employees who suckled at the teat of Stability while at Microsoft and may not possess the innate entrepreneurial traits it takes to get ahead in this economy. We will watch for these young micro-talented individuals to be plucked up from the void of the unemployed by large gaming software or tech companies and see what innovations appear. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 40% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Recession-fueled Innovation:** Former Microsoft employees sparking a new wave of innovation in the startup world. - **Micro-talents:** Young individuals with unique skills being sought after for disruptive innovations in gaming software and tech companies. - **Entrepreneurship in a Challenging Economy:** Former Microsoft employees facing the challenge of starting their own businesses in the current economic climate. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming Software:** Opportunity for disruptive innovations fueled by former Microsoft employees' expertise in gaming software. - **Tech Companies:** Large tech companies seeking out former Microsoft employees for innovation opportunities. - **Startup Ecosystem:** Former Microsoft employees contributing to the growth and development of the startup ecosystem. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Regional Innovation Funds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/innovation-fund.md) - [Young Professionals Recruitment Support](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/haystack.md) - [Startup Revival Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/failedups.md) - [Metaverse-Focused Entrepreneurial Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metapreneurs.md) - [Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-entrepreneur.md) - [Entrepreneurial Community Building](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venturepals.md) - [Tech Entrepreneur Insights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yalla-lets-code.md) - [Supportive Entrepreneur Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/successful-startups.md) - [Supportive Entrepreneurial Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-zenpreneur-community.md)