$2,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program — Start
- Founded within 2 years, working MVP, planning to raise
Google Cloud Startup Credits: 3 Programs Explained
Google Cloud gives $2,000 to early startups and up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) in credits to venture-funded startups through Series A.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Google Cloud gives $2,000 to early startups and up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) in credits to venture-funded startups through Series A.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
VC-funded seed to Series A startupsAI startups building on GeminiPre-funding founders with an MVP
Do you qualify for Google Cloud?
You likely qualify if
- Scale/Scale AI: institutional equity (SAFEs OK) with Pre-seed/Seed in last 5 years or Series A in last 12 months
- Scale/Scale AI: founded within the last 5 years and received no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Scale AI: VC-funded and Gemini is the foundation of your core product
- Start: founded within the past 2 years with a working MVP, clear business model and plans to raise
- Business email domain matches a live website describing company, team and product
You won't qualify if
- Funded only by grants, crowdfunding, angels, friends and family, PE or bank loans (excluded from Scale; may be evaluated for other tiers)
- IPO'd or acquired companies, agencies/dev shops/consultancies, nonprofits, education or government entities, crypto miners
- Already received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits (Scale tiers)
- Buying through specialized contracts rather than self-service
Common rejection reasons
- Email domain does not match the company website, or website is empty, placeholder or heavily AI-generated
- Funding source or stage doesn't meet the tier (e.g. angel-only funding)
- Wrong or unlinked 18-character billing account ID
How to apply for Google Cloud
- Check eligibility: pick Start, Scale or Scale AI (Gemini core) based on funding and age
- Prepare: 18-character billing account ID, company-domain email, live website, investor/accelerator affiliations
- Apply at cloud.google.com/startup/apply (AI track: ?pt=AI)
- Wait 5-7 days (10+ if info missing); check spam for the automated decision
- Activate: credits land on your billing account; apply separately for Workspace and Maps credits
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Google Cloud often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Google Cloud give startups?
$2,000 in Google Cloud credits; Up to $200,000 over 2 years (100% up to $100k Y1; 20% up to $100k Y2); Up to $350,000 ov. Google Cloud gives $2,000 to early startups and up to $200k (Scale) or $350k (AI) in credits to venture-funded startups through Series A.
Does Google Cloud take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Google Cloud?
Scale/Scale AI: institutional equity (SAFEs OK) with Pre-seed/Seed in last 5 years or Series A in last 12 months. Scale/Scale AI: founded within the last 5 years and received no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits. Scale AI: VC-funded and Gemini is the foundation of your core product.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Google Cloud?
1) Check eligibility: pick Start, Scale or Scale AI (Gemini core) based on funding and age 2) Prepare: 18-character billing account ID, company-domain email, live website, investor/accelerator affiliations 3) Apply at cloud.google.com/startup/apply (AI track: ?pt=AI) 4) Wait 5-7 days (10+ if info missing); check spam for the automated decision 5) Activate: credits land on your billing account; apply separately for Workspace and Maps 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.