Up to $150,000
Microsoft for Startups
- Any startup can sign up; the higher credit amounts depend on review, usage, or backing by a Microsoft Investor Network partner
Microsoft Startup Credits: Program Explained
Startups get Azure credits that can grow to $150,000, plus support and tools; the largest amounts go to partner-backed or high-usage startups.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Startups get Azure credits that can grow to $150,000, plus support and tools; the largest amounts go to partner-backed or high-usage startups.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
B2B software and AI startups on AzureTeams backed by Investor Network membersFounders wanting Azure OpenAI credit coverage
Do you qualify for Microsoft?
You likely qualify if
- Privately held, for-profit, not a subsidiary, in an Azure-supported country
- Build and own the core software product (not white-label)
- Not yet raised Series C
- Fewer than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits (Investor Offer)
- Sign up with a personal Microsoft account and LinkedIn identity
You won't qualify if
- Consultancy, agency, dev shop, personal blog, government/education org or crypto miner
- Publicly held company, subsidiary, or Series C and later
- Signing up with a work, school or company-domain email account
Common rejection reasons
- Using a work/company-domain email instead of a personal Microsoft account
- Business verification fails (no registered legal entity or unverifiable details)
- No valid referral code for the Investor Offer
How to apply for Microsoft
- Check eligibility: private, for-profit, pre-Series C, own software product, Azure-supported country
- Sign up at startups.microsoft.com with a personal Microsoft account and verify via LinkedIn
- Enter an Investor Network referral code if you have one; otherwise complete business verification to unlock $5,000
- Activate within 90 days of accepting the agreement and add a card; grow Azure workloads to unlock automatic upgrades
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Microsoft often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Microsoft give startups?
Up to $150,000 in Azure credits, plus free Azure Standard Support, AI tools and technical guidance. Startups get Azure credits that can grow to $150,000, plus support and tools; the largest amounts go to partner-backed or high-usage startups.
Does Microsoft take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Microsoft?
Privately held, for-profit, not a subsidiary, in an Azure-supported country. Build and own the core software product (not white-label). Not yet raised Series C.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Microsoft?
1) Check eligibility: private, for-profit, pre-Series C, own software product, Azure-supported country 2) Sign up at startups.microsoft.com with a personal Microsoft account and verify via LinkedIn 3) Enter an Investor Network referral code if you have one; otherwise complete business verification to unlock $5,000 4) Activate within 90 days of accepting the agreement and add a card; grow Azure workloads to unlock automatic upgrades
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.