Azure credits for startups (Microsoft for Startups)

What you get

• Up to $150,000 in Startup credits, unlocked over time based on verified progress, service adoption and sustained Azure usage
• Credits usable across eligible Azure services
• Access to AI models, developer tools and technical resources
• Possible dedicated Microsoft for Startups point of contact, plus Marketplace and co-sell go-to-market opportunities
• Investor Network-backed startups may get additional credits, expanded support and third-party benefits

Eligibility

• Builds a software product or service the company owns; privately held and for-profit
• Headquartered in a country where Azure is available
• Has not received more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits
• Has not raised Series C or later
• Not an educational institution, government body, consultancy or agency, and not involved in crypto mining

How Azure credits for startups unlock over time

Credit types and validity

• Starter credits: $200 immediately without a referral code; $1,000 starter credits when applying with a Microsoft Investor Network referral code
• Milestone credits up to $150,000 total, unlocked automatically as you meet verification, workload-adoption and usage requirements
• Higher milestones need e.g. 10+ Azure workloads and ~$3,000/month usage sustained for ~60 days
• At the $25K milestone you receive a one-time two-year extension to use your credits

How the credits are applied and when they expire

Credits are loaded into an Azure Sponsorship subscription and apply to eligible Azure services. You don't apply for higher tiers: Microsoft re-evaluates the account and raises the limit automatically when you hit a milestone. The subscription converts to pay-as-you-go once credits are used up or expire, whichever comes first.

Approval time

Microsoft says applications are reviewed and answered within three business days; credit balances can take up to 24 hours to update.

For founders in India

Indian startups can join (Microsoft runs a localised page at microsoft.com/en-in/startups). Your country/region must match your billing address, and a payment card is required during Azure account setup.

How to apply, step by step

1. Go to microsoft.com/startups (startups.microsoft.com) and select 'Get started'
2. Sign in and submit the application; enter an Investor Network referral code if your investor gave you one
3. Applications are typically reviewed within three business days; the decision comes by email
4. Once approved, set up your Azure account and activate benefits in the Azure Portal (profile, team members, benefits, technical guidance requests)

Documents and details to keep ready

• Microsoft account to sign in
• Investor Network referral code (optional, unlocks extra benefits)
• Microsoft does not publish a document list for the application

Tips before you apply

• Ask your investor or accelerator whether they are in Microsoft's Investor Network and get the 10-character referral code before you apply.
• Use a personal Microsoft account that has never had an Azure account, and enter your registered startup name exactly as on your legal documents.
• To move up milestones, keep every qualifying workload above $1 of spend for all 60 days. A dip resets the count.
• Watch your credit expiry: the subscription switches to pay-as-you-go automatically.

Terms to know

• Credits beyond the initial amount unlock over time; the full $150,000 is not granted upfront