How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell an idea to Microsoft
Does not take outside ideas
Microsoft does not accept or consider ideas it did not ask for, and promises no confidentiality for any sent anyway. It bought Mojang, maker of Minecraft, and GitHub.
“Microsoft or any of its employees do not accept or consider unsolicited ideas, including ideas for new advertising campaigns, new promotions, new products or technologies, processes, materials, marketing plans or new product names.”
What you agree to by sending something
“The sole purpose of this policy is to avoid potential misunderstandings or disputes when Microsoft's products or marketing strategies might seem similar to ideas submitted to Microsoft.”
“If, despite our request that you not send us your ideas and materials, you still send them, please understand that Microsoft makes no assurances that your ideas and materials will be treated as confidential or proprietary.”
What it has bought from outside
2014
Mojang Studios (Minecraft) from Markus Persson, Carl Manneh, Jakob Porsér $2.5 billion
“Microsoft announced its agreement to purchase Mojang for $2.5 billion on 15 September 2014.…” en.wikipedia.org
2018
GitHub from GitHub, Inc. US$7.5 billion
“On June 4, 2018, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire GitHub for US$7.5 billion (~$ 9.46 billion in 2025).…” en.wikipedia.org
Other companies that take an invention or product idea
