$1,200
Oyster Startup Discount
- Pre-seed to Series A funded companies, or bootstrapped companies under 50 employees
Oyster Startup Credits: Program Explained
Early-stage or small bootstrapped companies save up to $1,200 per hire for 12 months on Oyster's global employment platform.
Last verified October 29, 2026
Quick answer
Available programs
Early-stage or small bootstrapped companies save up to $1,200 per hire for 12 months on Oyster's global employment platform.
Don’t miss the next $100K in creditsGet monthly updates on new credits, perks, and funding opportunities. Discover $5M+ in credits.
Best for
Hiring abroad without entitiesPre-seed to Series A teamsBootstrapped teams under 50
Do you qualify for Oyster?
You likely qualify if
- You have raised pre-seed, seed or Series A funding
- Or you are bootstrapped with fewer than 50 employees
- Venture Program: backed by a VC, PE firm, accelerator or incubator enrolled with Oyster
- No minimum number of hires (2+ hires needed for the 3-month promo)
You won't qualify if
- Past Series A, or bootstrapped with 50+ employees
- Nonprofit or B-Corp (routed to Oyster for Impact)
Common rejection reasons
- Exceeds stage or headcount limits
- Better fit for another Oyster program
How to apply for Oyster
- Check eligibility: pre-seed–Series A, or bootstrapped under 50 employees
- Create a free Oyster account at oysterhr.com/startups and request the discount at sign-up
- If VC-backed, name your investor to Oyster sales to check Venture Program pricing
- Activate: discount applies per hire for 12 months
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Oyster often pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Oyster give startups?
Save up to $1,200 per team member for the first 12 months. Early-stage or small bootstrapped companies save up to $1,200 per hire for 12 months on Oyster's global employment platform.
Does Oyster take equity?
No. These are non-dilutive credits and perks; you do not give up equity.
Who qualifies for Oyster?
You have raised pre-seed, seed or Series A funding. Or you are bootstrapped with fewer than 50 employees. Venture Program: backed by a VC, PE firm, accelerator or incubator enrolled with Oyster.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed for the main program.
How do I apply for Oyster?
1) Check eligibility: pre-seed–Series A, or bootstrapped under 50 employees 2) Create a free Oyster account at oysterhr.com/startups and request the discount at sign-up 3) If VC-backed, name your investor to Oyster sales to check Venture Program pricing 4) Activate: discount applies per hire for 12 months
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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.