$100,000
Claude for Startups
- Early-stage founders building on Claude; extra API credits only via Anthropic partner VCs
Anthropic Startup Credits: Program Explained
Early-stage founders building on Claude get partner perks worth up to $45K (plus up to $100K API credits via partner VCs), but the cohort is currently full.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Early-stage founders building on Claude get partner perks worth up to $45K (plus up to $100K API credits via partner VCs), but the cohort is currently full.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
AI-native startups building on the Claude APIFounders backed by an Anthropic partner VCTeams using Claude Code via Console keys
Do you qualify for Anthropic?
You likely qualify if
- You are backed by a VC in Anthropic's partner network (for the up-to-$100K API credits, claimed through the VC)
- Your startup was founded in the last five years or raised funding in the last two (per creditforstartups)
- You have a Claude Console account on a company email that matches your website domain
- You will spend credits on the first-party Claude API via the Claude Console
You won't qualify if
- You are applying as a new member now: the cohort is full and applications are closed
- You need credits on AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI, Azure/Foundry or other third-party platforms
- You only have a personal email and no company website
- Your VC is not in Anthropic's partner network (no route to the $100K credits)
Common rejection reasons
- Applications closed: in-review applications were not moved forward when the cohort filled
- Applied with a personal email instead of a company domain
- Use case outside Anthropic's supportability policies
How to apply for Anthropic
- Check status: claude.com/programs/startups says the cohort is full; subscribe to the Claude Startup newsletter for the reopening
- If VC-backed: ask your investor whether they are an Anthropic partner and request their credit link
- Create a Claude Console account at platform.claude.com with a company-domain email
- Existing members: sign in at platform.claude.com/claude-for-startups to redeem Startup Stack codes
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Anthropic often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Anthropic give startups?
Startup Stack partner discounts and credits worth up to $45,000; up to $100K extra API credits via partner VCs. Early-stage founders building on Claude get partner perks worth up to $45K (plus up to $100K API credits via partner VCs), but the cohort is currently full.
Does Anthropic take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Anthropic?
You are backed by a VC in Anthropic's partner network (for the up-to-$100K API credits, claimed through the VC). Your startup was founded in the last five years or raised funding in the last two (per creditforstartups). You have a Claude Console account on a company email that matches your website domain.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Anthropic?
1) Check status: claude.com/programs/startups says the cohort is full; subscribe to the Claude Startup newsletter for the reopening 2) If VC-backed: ask your investor whether they are an Anthropic partner and request their credit link 3) Create a Claude Console account at platform.claude.com with a company-domain email 4) Existing members: sign in at platform.claude.com/claude-for-startups to redeem Startup Stack codes
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Don’t miss the next $100K in credits
Get monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.