50 seats of Microsoft
Microsoft for Startups: Microsoft 365 Business Premium
- Startups backed by a VC, accelerator, incubator or university in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network
Microsoft 365 Startup Credits: Program Explained
Startups backed by a Microsoft Investor Network partner get 50 free seats of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for 12 months through Microsoft for Startups.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Startups backed by a Microsoft Investor Network partner get 50 free seats of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for 12 months through Microsoft for Startups.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
Startups standardizing on Microsoft 365B2B software startups through Series BTeams also using Azure, GitHub Enterprise
Do you qualify for Microsoft 365?
You likely qualify if
- Privately held B2B software/AI/tech startup, pre-seed to Series B
- Not a subsidiary or public company; in a supported region
- Sign up with a personal Microsoft account (work/school emails rejected per creditforstartups)
- Pass business verification
You won't qualify if
- Past Series B, a subsidiary, or publicly held
- You want the M365 benefit extended beyond 12 months (not extendable)
- You plan to pay for M365 with Azure credits (not allowed)
Common rejection reasons
- Signed up with a work or company-domain email
- Business verification failed
How to apply for Microsoft 365
- Sign up at startups.microsoft.com with a personal Microsoft account
- Choose the investor path (referral code) or no-investor path (LinkedIn verification)
- Complete business verification
- Redeem M365 Business Premium in the startups portal; benefit runs 12 months from activation
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Microsoft 365 often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Microsoft 365 give startups?
50 seats of Microsoft 365 Business Premium free for 12 months (Copilot not included). Startups backed by a Microsoft Investor Network partner get 50 free seats of Microsoft 365 Business Premium for 12 months through Microsoft for Startups.
Does Microsoft 365 take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Microsoft 365?
Privately held B2B software/AI/tech startup, pre-seed to Series B. Not a subsidiary or public company; in a supported region. Sign up with a personal Microsoft account (work/school emails rejected per creditforstartups).
Do I need a referral?
Yes for at least one program, usually from a VC, accelerator or partner.
How do I apply for Microsoft 365?
1) Sign up at startups.microsoft.com with a personal Microsoft account 2) Choose the investor path (referral code) or no-investor path (LinkedIn verification) 3) Complete business verification 4) Redeem M365 Business Premium in the startups portal; benefit runs 12 months from activation
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.