Google for Startups Cloud Program vs Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) (2026): Which Is Better for Startups?
Both are cloud credits for startups. Here is how Google for Startups Cloud Program and Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) compare on what a startup gets, who qualifies and how to apply, and which one we would pick.
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Up to $2,000 in Google Cloud credits pre-funding, or up to $200,000 ($350,000 for AI-first startups) once VC-funded.
9.0 /10
Pricing: Up to $350k in credits & perks
Pros
- No partner code needed for the Scale tier
- Up to $350,000 for AI-first startups
- Extras such as Workspace, Maps and support credits
Cons
- Start tier is only $2,000
- Year 2 covers just 20% of usage
Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits)
Azure credits from $200 up to $150,000, with higher tiers unlocked by progress or an Investor Network referral code.
8.0 /10
Pricing: Up to $150k in credits & perks
Pros
- Up to $150,000 in Azure credits
- Credits last up to two years once activated
- Access to Azure AI services and Microsoft go-to-market support
Cons
- Entry offer without an investor is only $200 then $4,000
- Investor Network list is not public; B2B startups only
Google for Startups Cloud Program vs Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) at a glance
| Google for Startups Cloud Program | Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Editor score | 9.0 / 10 | 8.0 / 10 |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| What you get | Up to $350k in credits & perks | Up to $150k in credits & perks |
| Who qualifies | Start: founded within 24 months, MVP, plans to raise VC. Scale: pre-seed/seed within 5 years or Series A within 12 months, founded within 5 years, under $5,000 of prior Google Cloud credits. | Pre-seed to Series B, B2B software/AI/tech startup working towards or at MVP, privately held and independent, headquartered where the program operates. Higher tiers via an Investor Network referral code. |
| Partner code needed | No | Yes |
| Steps it helps with | claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack | claim startup credits, host and deploy, build your mvp, choose your ai coding stack |
| Who it is for | Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS | Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, AI startups, SaaS |
| Reader upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Best for | google cloud, gcp, cloud credits | azure, microsoft, cloud credits |
Our pick
Google for Startups Cloud Program edges it with a score of 9.0 versus 8.0. Google for Startups Cloud Program is the better fit if you value: no partner code needed for the scale tier, up to $350,000 for ai-first startups. Choose Microsoft for Startups (Azure credits) instead if you need: up to $150,000 in azure credits, credits last up to two years once activated. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.
Other cloud credits for startups to consider
Full ranking →
AWS Activate 🎁 ProgramFree
Up to $5,000 in AWS credits if you are self-funded, or up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider Org ID.
🔥 Up to $5,000 (Founders) or up to $200,000 (Portfolio, with Activate Provider Org ID) in AWS creditsCloudflare for Startups 🎁 ProgramFree
$10,000 in Cloudflare credits if bootstrapped, $100,000 or $350,000 if funded by an affiliated partner.
🔥 $10,000 (bootstrapped), $100,000 or $350,000 (partner-funded) in Cloudflare credits for one yearDigitalOcean Startups (Hatch) 🎁 ProgramFree
12 months of DigitalOcean credits, 15 months of free support and partner perks for startups that raised $10M or less.
🔥 12 months of DigitalOcean credits (amount set by your partner) plus 15 months of free Standard supportOVHcloud Startup Program 🎁 ProgramFree
Up to $12,000 (Start) or $120,000 (Scale) in OVHcloud public cloud credits for 12 months, plus free engineer time.
🔥 Up to $12,000 (Start) or $120,000 (Scale) in OVHcloud US public cloud credits for 12 months