Algolia for Startups 🎁 Program

What you get

Algolia for Startups gives $10,000 in Algolia credits, valid for 12 months, for its hosted search and discovery products. When the credits run out or expire, your account moves to pay-as-you-go pricing.

Who qualifies

Algolia's page gives two versions of the criteria:

• The eligibility section says: less than 7 years old, less than $15M in total funding, and new Algolia customers only.
• The FAQ says startups less than three years old that have raised less than $5M are eligible.

Check with Algolia which applies before you apply. Either way, the program is for new, free users: existing paying customers are not eligible, and redeeming any earlier startup coupon disqualifies you.

Good to know

• No partner is needed. Incubators, accelerators, angels and VCs can separately partner with Algolia to offer the program to their portfolio.
• Applications go through a request form on Algolia's support site; other questions go to Algolia's startups email address.
• Unused credits expire after 12 months.

Verdict

Handy if search is central to your product (marketplaces, documentation, e-commerce catalogues). The conflicting eligibility text is a minor annoyance; the credit itself is clear. Apply when your search index is close to production, because credits expire 12 months after they are granted. Set up usage alerts so you know when you are close to moving onto pay-as-you-go. If you are unsure which eligibility version applies, email Algolia's startups team before you start a paid plan, because paying first can rule you out.

1. Sign up for a free Algolia account (do not start a paid plan first).
2. Click "Apply for $10k in credits" on the startups page.
3. Fill in the request form on support.algolia.com.
4. Once approved, use the credits within 12 months; afterwards you move to pay-as-you-go.