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Azure startup credits

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub offers up to $150K in staged Azure credits with no funding gate — plus free GitHub, Microsoft 365, and Azure OpenAI access. Here is how the program works and how to maximize it.

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The program

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

1 Azure program we track. Amounts are representative seed data compiled from public pages — verify current terms before applying.

Azure
Up to $150,000
cloud credits

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Self-serve program with staged Azure + AI credits and no funding gate.

No funding requiredSelf-apply60-month validity

Eligibility

  • Building a software-based product or service
  • No prior or current enrollment in Microsoft for Startups
  • Self-nominate — no funding or referral required to start

Bundled perks

  • Azure credits unlock in stages as you progress
  • Free GitHub Enterprise & Microsoft 365
  • Azure OpenAI Service access & $2,500 OpenAI credits
  • LinkedIn & developer support benefits
View programAzure guide

How to apply

From self-nomination to the full ceiling

  1. 1

    Self-nominate at the Founders Hub site

    No referral, accelerator, or funding round is required. Anyone building a software product or service can apply directly and is reviewed without a partner gate.

  2. 2

    Unlock Azure credits in stages

    Benefits release progressively. The first stage starts you with Azure credits and tooling; later stages raise the ceiling toward $150,000 as you complete milestones.

  3. 3

    Activate the bundled developer benefits

    Turn on free GitHub Enterprise, Microsoft 365, and Azure OpenAI Service access, including OpenAI credits, alongside your Azure consumption credits.

  4. 4

    Track the long validity window

    Founders Hub credits carry an unusually long validity. Map your build and migration roadmap across the window so the staged credits are fully consumed.

FAQ

Azure startup credit questions

How much can a startup get from Microsoft for Startups?
The Founders Hub program grants up to $150K in Azure credits, released in stages as your startup progresses through the program milestones.
Do I need funding or a referral for Azure startup credits?
No. Founders Hub is self-serve. You can self-nominate without a VC, accelerator, or prior funding round, which makes it one of the most accessible high-ceiling programs.
What comes bundled with Azure credits?
Beyond Azure consumption credits, Founders Hub includes free GitHub Enterprise, Microsoft 365, Azure OpenAI Service access with OpenAI credits, and LinkedIn and developer support benefits.
Can I combine Azure credits with credits from other clouds?
Yes. Startup programs are independent per provider, so an Azure grant can run alongside AWS Activate or Google for Startups credits and complementary perks like MongoDB Atlas.

Comparing providers?

See how Azure stacks up against AWS and Google Cloud startup programs.

AWS creditsGCP credits