$10,000
DigitalOcean Startups
- Startups under $10M raised via a listed partner accelerator/VC; AI-native prioritized; no agencies
DigitalOcean Startup Credits: Program Explained
Partner-referred startups under $10M raised get 12 months of DigitalOcean credits, but new applications are paused until early 2027.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Partner-referred startups under $10M raised get 12 months of DigitalOcean credits, but new applications are paused until early 2027.
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Best for
AI-native product startups under $10M raisedAccelerator/VC-backed teams on DO partnersTeams needing managed Kubernetes and databases
Do you qualify for DigitalOcean?
You likely qualify if
- Raised $10M or less in total funding
- Building a product (AI-native startups prioritized), not a services business
- Never received DigitalOcean credits before
- Company website plus matching company-domain email
- New DigitalOcean team account with business email and valid credit card
You won't qualify if
- Consulting, dev shop, marketing agency or other service business
- Raised more than $10M
- Previously used DigitalOcean promotional credits
- Applying now: cohort applications are paused until early 2027
Common rejection reasons
- Personal email instead of a company-domain email
- No working company website
- Prior DigitalOcean credits on record
How to apply for DigitalOcean
- Check status: applications paused until the early-2027 relaunch; watch digitalocean.com/startups
- Ask your accelerator/VC whether it is a DO partner (credit level is set by the partner)
- Create a DO team account with your company email and a card when applications reopen
- Apply via the startups page; your onboarding email states your credit amount
- Activate: credits run 12 months; usage above $10,000/month is billed
Stacks well with
Founders who claim DigitalOcean often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does DigitalOcean give startups?
12 months of partner-set credits (up to $10,000/month), 15 months free Standard support; GPU credits for select startups. Partner-referred startups under $10M raised get 12 months of DigitalOcean credits, but new applications are paused until early 2027.
Does DigitalOcean take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for DigitalOcean?
Raised $10M or less in total funding. Building a product (AI-native startups prioritized), not a services business. Never received DigitalOcean credits before.
Do I need a referral?
Yes for at least one program, usually from a VC, accelerator or partner.
How do I apply for DigitalOcean?
1) Check status: applications paused until the early-2027 relaunch; watch digitalocean.com/startups 2) Ask your accelerator/VC whether it is a DO partner (credit level is set by the partner) 3) Create a DO team account with your company email and a card when applications reopen 4) Apply via the startups page; your onboarding email states your credit amount 5) Activate: credits run 12 months; usage above $10,000/month is billed
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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.