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LangSmith Startup Program: Build and Scale tiers explained

Partner VC / accelerator neededLast verified 15 October 2026

Credit amount (provider's words)

Build tier: discounted seat pricing; Scale tier: $10K LangSmith credits

As stated by LangChain; not a guarantee. LangChain decides who is approved.

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The LangSmith startup program from LangChain has two tiers for first-time LangSmith customers. Build gives discounted seat pricing to startups with $25K+ in seed funding and under $10M raised. Scale gives $10K in LangSmith credits plus VIP programming, but only to Series A-or-earlier startups backed by a LangChain premier VC partner.

LangChain's startup offer for LangSmith, its platform for agent tracing, evals and deployment, has two tiers. Build gives discounted seats to VC-backed early-stage teams. Scale gives $10K in credits and VIP programming, but only to startups backed by LangChain's premier VC partners.

What you get

  • Build tier: discounted seat pricing for LangSmith
  • Scale tier: $10K in LangSmith credits, available for 1 year (2 years for Y Combinator companies)
  • Scale tier: VIP event invites, office hours and cohort sessions with the LangChain team, plus a private founders Slack
  • Scale tier: a Featured Startup Spotlight on LangChain's website, newsletter and LinkedIn

Eligibility

  • Both tiers: first-time LangSmith customer
  • Build: less than $10M in funding and at least $25K raised in seed funding
  • Scale: Series A (up to $50M in funding) or earlier, and backed by a LangChain premier VC partner
  • LangChain says additional eligibility criteria may apply

LangChain only gives this offer to startups referred by one of its partner investors, accelerators or communities. Check with your investor or accelerator for a referral code first.

How the LangSmith startup program works

Credit types and validity

  • Build tier: discounted LangSmith seat pricing (not credits)
  • Scale tier: $10K LangSmith credits, valid 1 year (2 years for Y Combinator companies)
  • Scale tier: VIP events, office hours, cohort sessions and a private founders Slack
  • Scale tier: Featured Startup Spotlight on LangChain's site, newsletter and LinkedIn

How the credits are applied and when they expire

Pick your tier on langchain.com/startups and complete the application. Build tier lowers your per-seat price. Scale tier credits are loaded to LangSmith within a few days of an eligible application and expire 1 year after issue (2 years for YC companies); usage after that is billed at normal rates.

Approval time

Scale tier: credits available within a few days of applying if eligible; Build tier not published

For founders in India

No India-specific terms published. Indian startups can use the Build tier if they meet the funding rules; the Scale tier depends on your investor being on LangChain's premier VC partner list.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Go to langchain.com/startups and choose your tier under 'Explore the tiers'
  2. If your VC is not a LangChain premier partner, click 'Apply now' under Build. Otherwise apply under Scale
  3. Complete the application form
  4. Scale tier: if you are eligible, LangChain says credits arrive within a few days of applying

Documents and details to keep ready

  • Not published. The form fields are not shown on the page
  • Details of your funding (seed amount, total raised) and lead investor to prove which tier you fit

Common reasons applications are declined

  • Not a first-time LangSmith customer
  • Build: under $25K seed raised or $10M+ total funding
  • Scale: past Series A / over $50M funding, or not backed by a LangChain premier VC partner
  • LangChain notes additional eligibility criteria may apply

Tips before you apply

  • Ask your lead investor whether they are a LangChain premier VC partner before choosing Scale
  • If not, apply for Build rather than Scale
  • Plan heavy tracing and eval workloads inside the 12-month credit window
  • Keep funding details handy, as tier fit depends on seed and total amounts raised

Terms to know

  • Scale credits expire 1 year after they are issued (2 years for YC companies)
  • The Build tier gives a seat discount, not credits

Frequently asked questions

Which LangSmith startup tier is right for me?

If you are a first-time customer backed by a LangChain premier VC partner and are Series A (up to $50M funding) or earlier, choose Scale. Otherwise you may be eligible for Build.

How much are LangSmith startup credits worth?

The Scale tier gives $10K in LangSmith credits. The Build tier gives discounted seat pricing instead of credits.

When do LangSmith startup credits expire?

Scale credits are available for 1 year after they are issued, or 2 years for Y Combinator companies.

How fast do I get LangSmith Scale credits?

LangChain says eligible startups get credits within a few days of applying.

Can I apply if my VC is not a LangChain partner?

Yes. You may still be eligible for the Build tier.

Checked against LangChain's own pages on 15 October 2026. Official sources:

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