Up to $150,000 in Credits for Tech Startups – Microsoft for Startups

Microsoft for Startups provides technology, AI tools, cloud infrastructure and business support to help early-stage technology companies build, launch and scale their products.

Startups can begin with Microsoft Startup credits and unlock up to $150,000 in credits over time as they demonstrate progress, adopt Microsoft services and increase their use of Azure.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Up to $150,000 in Startup credits

• Initial credits to help startups begin building immediately

• Credits for eligible Microsoft Azure services

• Access to Azure AI capabilities and Microsoft Foundry

• Cloud infrastructure for building, testing and deploying products

• Technical resources and guidance

• Support to help startups move from development into production

• Opportunities to access Microsoft's global enterprise customer ecosystem

• Microsoft Marketplace and co-sell opportunities for eligible startups

• Go-to-market resources to help businesses reach customers and grow

• Potential for additional benefits as the startup demonstrates progress and increases its Azure usage

Startups backed by an eligible VC, accelerator, incubator or university within the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network may also be able to unlock enhanced benefits and support.

Who can apply?

To qualify for Microsoft for Startups, businesses generally need to:

• Be a privately held, for-profit startup

• Develop a software-based product or service owned by the company

• Be headquartered in a country or region where Microsoft Azure is available

• Be at an eligible stage of startup development

• Have not raised Series C funding or later

• Have received no more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits

Educational institutions, government organisations, consultancies and agencies are not eligible for the programme.

Startups involved in cryptocurrency mining are also excluded.

You do not need to be backed by an investor to apply to the main Microsoft for Startups programme.

Support: Up to $150,000 in Microsoft Startup credits, alongside AI tools, technical resources and potential go-to-market support.

Deadline: No fixed application deadline is currently listed.

Applications are currently available directly through Microsoft for Startups, and Microsoft says applications are typically reviewed within three business days.