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

Both are software perks for startups. Here is how HubSpot for Startups and Zoho 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 ↗

Zoho for Startups

Zoho Wallet credits for 55+ Zoho apps, valid 360 days, for startups via Zoho collaborators

6.0 /10

Pricing: Free to join

Pros

Credits work across 55+ Zoho apps
Free support and consultation included

Cons

Credit amount not published; 360-day expiry
Mainly for Indian startups via collaborators

Visit Zoho for Startups ↗

HubSpot for Startups vs Zoho for Startups at a glance

	HubSpot for Startups	Zoho for Startups
Editor score	8.0 / 10	6.0 / 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.	Startups meeting the Startup India definition, linked to a Zoho collaborator or DPIIT-recognised, new to paid Zoho; limited to listed countries.
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	Pre-seed, Seed stage, Bootstrapped, SaaS
Reader upvotes	0	0
Best for	crm, marketing automation, sales	crm, zoho, business apps

Our pick

HubSpot for Startups edges it with a score of 8.0 versus 6.0. 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 Zoho for Startups instead if you need: credits work across 55+ zoho apps, free support and consultation included. Many startups can claim both: see credits by value.