Up to 12 months
Customer.io Startup Program
- Under $10M raised, never a Customer.io customer, non-purchased contact lists
Customer.io Startup Credits: Program Explained
New customers with under $10M raised get up to 12 months free on Customer.io's Startup plan.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
New customers with under $10M raised get up to 12 months free on Customer.io's Startup plan.
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Best for
Lifecycle email, SMS and push messagingProduct-led SaaS onboarding flowsStartups under $10M raised
Do you qualify for Customer.io?
You likely qualify if
- Raised less than $10M in total funding
- Never been a Customer.io customer
- Contact lists collected through standard methods, not purchased
- Live website (required on the Secret route)
You won't qualify if
- Current or former Customer.io customer
- Using purchased contact lists
- Raised $10M+ (you can still apply, but standard program eligibility ends)
Common rejection reasons
- Prior Customer.io account on file
- Purchased or non-compliant contact lists
How to apply for Customer.io
- Check eligibility: under $10M raised, never a customer, first-party contact lists
- Apply at customer.io/solutions/startups (or a partner/Secret link); you'll be asked to create an account
- Activate: connect data sources and start on the Startup plan
- Before graduation: watch for the 60-day reminder and choose the graduation offer or cancel
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Customer.io often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Customer.io give startups?
Up to 12 months free on the Startup plan (Essentials features, up to 30,000 profiles). New customers with under $10M raised get up to 12 months free on Customer.io's Startup plan.
Does Customer.io take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Customer.io?
Raised less than $10M in total funding. Never been a Customer.io customer. Contact lists collected through standard methods, not purchased.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Customer.io?
1) Check eligibility: under $10M raised, never a customer, first-party contact lists 2) Apply at customer.io/solutions/startups (or a partner/Secret link); you'll be asked to create an account 3) Activate: connect data sources and start on the Startup plan 4) Before graduation: watch for the 60-day reminder and choose the graduation offer or cancel
Related startup credits
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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.