GitLab for Startups: free GitLab Ultimate for your first year

What you get

• Seed Stage, year one: a free Ultimate licence for up to 20 seats (SaaS or self-managed)
• Seed Stage, year two: 50% off any tier, up to 20 users
• Early Stage (Series A/B): 50% off any tier in year one and 25% off in year two, up to 20 users
• Support is not included

Eligibility

• Externally funded only. Self-funded startups can't apply
• Seed Stage: pre-seed or seed with up to $5M in external funding
• Early Stage: Series A or Series B with up to $20M in external funding
• New GitLab customers only

How GitLab for Startups works

Credit types and validity

• Seed tier (≤$5M external funding): free GitLab Ultimate, up to 20 seats, year one; 50% off any tier in year two
• Early-stage tier (Series A/B, ≤$20M): 50% off any tier in year one, 25% off in year two (up to 20 users)
• Support not included in the free Ultimate licence

How the credits are applied and when they expire

There are no credits. Accepted startups get a discounted or free subscription under the GitLab Subscription Agreement. Self-managed instances must enable usage and analytics features. GitLab contacts you before year one ends about renewal and year-two pricing; extra seats are quoted as an add-on via startups@gitlab.com.

Approval time

Not published; GitLab says applications aren't processed during U.S. holidays

For founders in India

No India-specific terms published. Indian startups need a public funding record (Crunchbase, PitchBook or an investor or accelerator page), or a document showing current funding, to be considered.

How to apply, step by step

1. Scroll to the application form on about.gitlab.com/solutions/startups/ ("Apply now"). All fields are required
2. Include a Crunchbase or PitchBook profile, or your VC's or accelerator's webpage, as proof of funding
3. Submit. GitLab may ask for more information to verify eligibility. Applications aren't processed on U.S. holidays
4. GitLab's team contacts you to get started. Once accepted, you are bound by the GitLab Subscription Agreement

Documents and details to keep ready

• Crunchbase or PitchBook profile, or a VC or accelerator webpage listing your company
• If that page doesn't show your current funding, a document or public link that does. GitLab says applications without this won't be considered

Common reasons applications are declined

• Self-funded (programme is for externally funded companies only)
• No proof of funding: Crunchbase/PitchBook profile, VC or accelerator page, or a document showing current funding
• Not a new GitLab customer
• Above $5M (seed tier) or $20M (Series A/B tier) in external funding

Tips before you apply

• Include a Crunchbase/PitchBook link or your investor's portfolio page; applications without funding proof aren't considered
• Avoid applying around U.S. holidays, when GitLab doesn't process applications
• Budget for support: the free Ultimate seed licence doesn't include it
• Check which tier you fall into, as year-two pricing differs (seed: 50% off; Series A/B: 25% off)

Terms to know

• Self-managed instances must enable usage and analytics features
• GitLab offers the programme at its sole discretion and may change it. For extra seats, email startups@gitlab.com for an add-on quote