HubSpot for Startups vs Zendesk for Startups (2026): Which Is Better for Startups?

Both are software perks for startups. Here is how HubSpot for Startups and Zendesk for Startups compare on what a startup gets, who qualifies and how to apply, and which one we would pick.

HubSpot for Startups

Up to 90% off HubSpot Professional or Enterprise in year one for funded or partner-backed startups

8.0 /10

Pricing: Free to join

Pros

Up to 90% off year one, with discounts for two more years
Open to funded startups without a partner code
Covers the full HubSpot platform at Professional level

Cons

Annual commitment and steep list prices once the discount ends
Only for net-new Professional or Enterprise products

Visit HubSpot for Startups ↗

Zendesk for Startups

Free Zendesk Professional Suite and Copilot for funded startups, 6 months baseline and up to 2 years via partners

7.0 /10

Pricing: Free to join

Pros

Full Professional Suite plus Copilot
Up to 50 agents
No credit card to start

Cons

Baseline is only 6 months; longer terms need a partner
Requires outside funding

Visit Zendesk for Startups ↗

HubSpot for Startups vs Zendesk for Startups at a glance

	HubSpot for Startups	Zendesk for Startups
Editor score	8.0 / 10	7.0 / 10
Pricing model	Free	Free
What you get	Free to join	Free to join
Who qualifies	Startups that raised pre-seed, seed or Series A (not Series B+) or are affiliated with an approved HubSpot partner; the 30% tier is for members of approved entrepreneurial organisations.	New Zendesk customers with angel to Series B funding, under 10 years old and under 250 employees (50-249 need a partner referral).
Partner code needed	No	Yes
Steps it helps with	claim startup credits, get your first 100 customers	claim startup credits, get your first 100 customers
Who it is for	Pre-seed, Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, SaaS	Seed stage, Series A+, VC-backed only, SaaS
Reader upvotes	0	0
Best for	crm, marketing automation, sales	customer support, helpdesk, ticketing

Our pick

HubSpot for Startups edges it with a score of 8.0 versus 7.0. HubSpot for Startups is the better fit if you value: up to 90% off year one, with discounts for two more years, open to funded startups without a partner code. Choose Zendesk for Startups instead if you need: full professional suite plus copilot, up to 50 agents. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.