728×90 Leaderboard

Some Requirements⭐ Featured

4.3/5

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub

Up to $150,000 in Azure credits + Microsoft 365, GitHub, OpenAI & more for early-stage startups

Credit Value

Up to $150,000

Azure credits are time-limited. Additional benefits often expire after 12 months.

Apply Now

Credit Value

Up to $150,000

Apply Effort

Some Requirements

Our Rating

4.3/5

Best For

Startups building on Azure, using AI/ML, or needing Microsoft tools (Azure, OpenAI, GitHub, M365)

What You Get

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is Microsoft’s flagship program for early-stage startups. It provides tiered Azure credits, developer tools, AI services, productivity software, and go-to-market support to help you build, scale, and grow faster.

Credit Breakdown & Tiers:

Self-service / Founders Path (open to all): Up to $5,000 in Azure credits ($1,000 immediate + $4,000 after business verification)
Investor Network Path (with referral code): Up to $150,000 in Azure credits (often $100K–$150K)
Additional major perks include:
Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses
GitHub Enterprise seats
Azure OpenAI Service credits + access to advanced AI models
Technical guidance, mentors, and Startup Customer Engineers
Partner offers (Stripe discounts, MongoDB credits, etc.)
Go-to-market support and visibility through Microsoft’s network

Available Tiers

$1 000

$5 000

$25 000

$150 000

✓ Who Qualifies

Privately held, for-profit startup
Less than 7–10 years old
Pre-Series C (or equivalent)
Building a technology/software product (not agency/consultancy)
Valid company website and email
Lifetime Azure credits received under $350,000

✗ Limitations

Higher tiers ($25K+) usually require investor/accelerator referral code
Credits have expiration dates (no automatic extensions)
Approval and exact amount at Microsoft’s discretion
Must be in a supported Azure country/region
Not available to nonprofits, government, or crypto-mining businesses

How to Apply

1
Go to https://portal.startups.microsoft.com/ and sign up / sign in
2
Use a personal Microsoft Account (MSA) or company email
3
For basic path: Complete signup and business verification to unlock up to $5,000 Azure credits
4
For higher tiers: Get a referral code from a Microsoft Investor Network partner (VC/accelerator)
5
Fill out the application with company details, website, funding stage, and product description
6
Submit. basic approvals are fast; investor path may take a few days
7
Once approved, activate credits in your Azure account and start building

Our Take

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is one of the most accessible and valuable cloud + tools programs available. The self-serve path gives almost anyone $5K quickly, while the Investor Network path unlocks serious runway ($100K–$150K) plus Microsoft 365, GitHub, and OpenAI credits.

Worth applying? Yes, even bootstrapped founders should start with the easy $5K path. If you have any investor or accelerator connection, definitely pursue the higher tier.

Insider tips: Apply as early as possible (pre-funding for the basic path). If you raise money later, ask your investors for a Microsoft Investor Network referral code to upgrade. Use credits on high-value services like Azure OpenAI, compute, and storage.

Common Questions

Is Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub legit?

Yes, it’s Microsoft’s official startup program, supporting hundreds of thousands of startups worldwide.

How much credit can I actually get?

Bootstrapped/self-serve: up to $5,000. With investor referral: up to $150,000 (varies by stage and review).

Do I need an investor or VC to qualify?

No for the $5,000 basic path. Yes for the maximum $150K tier (you need a referral code from the Microsoft Investor Network).

What other benefits come with it?

Microsoft 365 Business Premium licenses, GitHub Enterprise, Azure OpenAI credits, technical mentorship, and partner discounts.

How long do the credits last?

Small tiers: 90–180 days. Larger tiers: typically up to 12 months. Always check your Azure billing dashboard.

Can I stack this with AWS or Google Cloud credits?

Yes, many founders use multiple cloud credits together.

Similar Programs

AWS Activate

Up to $100,000 in AWS credits for early-stage startups

Up to $100,000

Cloudflare for Startups

Up to $250,000 in credits for building on Cloudflare's Developer Platform

Up to $250,000

Google Cloud for Startups

Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits for early-stage & AI startups (2 years)

Up to $350,000

Oracle Cloud for Startups

$500 free credits + 70% discount + Always Free Tier for startups

Up to $100,000 + 70% discount

Alternatives rotate daily