Up to $150,000
Microsoft for Startups
- Startups building software products; highest credit levels for investor-backed startups
Azure OpenAI Startup Credits: Program Explained
Startups can get up to $150,000 in Azure credits usable for Azure OpenAI, plus free Microsoft tools.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Startups can get up to $150,000 in Azure credits usable for Azure OpenAI, plus free Microsoft tools.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
Startups building on GPT models via AzureVC-backed teams with Investor Network referralBootstrapped founders wanting quick credits
Do you qualify for Azure OpenAI?
You likely qualify if
- Privately held, for-profit company building a software product it owns (not white-label)
- Located where Azure is available
- Ideate: new Azure customer; Develop/Build: business verification within 90 days
- Investor Offer: referral code from a Microsoft Investor Network partner, not yet raised Series C, under $350,000 lifetime free Azure credits
You won't qualify if
- Consultancies, agencies, dev shops, personal blogs, crypto miners, education or government organizations
- Existing paid Azure customers (common rejection)
- Series C+ for the Investor Offer
Common rejection reasons
- Already an existing paid Azure customer
- Ineligible company type or unsupported region
How to apply for Azure OpenAI
- Check eligibility: own software product, private, Azure region
- Sign up at the Microsoft for Startups portal; choose direct or investor path (with referral code)
- Complete business verification to unlock up to $5,000
- Activate Azure credits in the portal, then create an Azure OpenAI resource
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Azure OpenAI often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Azure OpenAI give startups?
Up to $150,000 in Azure credits (usable for Azure OpenAI), plus GitHub, Microsoft 365 and AI tools. Startups can get up to $150,000 in Azure credits usable for Azure OpenAI, plus free Microsoft tools.
Does Azure OpenAI take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Azure OpenAI?
Privately held, for-profit company building a software product it owns (not white-label). Located where Azure is available. Ideate: new Azure customer; Develop/Build: business verification within 90 days.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Azure OpenAI?
1) Check eligibility: own software product, private, Azure region 2) Sign up at the Microsoft for Startups portal; choose direct or investor path (with referral code) 3) Complete business verification to unlock up to $5,000 4) Activate Azure credits in the portal, then create an Azure OpenAI resource
Related startup credits
Tracking programs from OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Cloud and 160+ more
Don’t miss the next $100K in credits
Get monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.