Microsoft for Startups (Azure AI and Foundry) 🎁 Program
Up to $150K in Azure credits (up to $200K via investor partners) usable on Microsoft Foundry models.
| What you get | Up to $150k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Early-stage startups building software products; the page now advertises a single headline of up to $150,000 in Azure credits rather than separate base/Investor-Network tiers. Third-party sources suggest the top amount still needs an Investor Network referral code, but Microsoft's own page no longer states that split -- treat the tier breakdown as unconfirmed. |
| Open in | Worldwide |
| Partner code needed | Yes: through an accelerator, VC or partner |
| Deadline | Rolling, apply any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-12 |
About Microsoft for Startups (Azure AI and Foundry)
What you get
Microsoft for Startups gives members up to $150K in Startup credits over time as the startup shows verified progress, service adoption and sustained Azure usage. Startups backed by Microsoft's Investor Network may unlock up to $200K and expanded support. Credits can be used on eligible Azure services, and members get access to Azure AI capabilities, including models available through Microsoft Foundry.
You also get access to Microsoft Marketplace and co-sell opportunities, startup-focused technical resources, dedicated guidance and go-to-market support.
Who qualifies
The apply page says the programme is designed for early-stage startups building software products, including AI-powered and cloud-based applications. You can apply whether you are just starting or already use another cloud.
Good to know
- Credits are staged, not paid in one lump: completing business verification unlocks up to $5,000, and more credits unlock as you adopt more Azure services with sustained usage.
- When the credits are used up, your workloads keep running on Azure at standard pay-as-you-go pricing, with no interruption, so watch your spending as you approach the end.
- The $200K level depends on being backed by a firm in the Investor Network.
How to get the most from it
Complete business verification straight after approval, and set Azure budget alerts so you notice when credits are running low.
Verdict
A solid route to frontier models through Foundry plus general cloud credits, and it is open to bootstrapped teams. Expect to earn the larger amounts through usage rather than receive them on day one.
How to apply
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/apply and click Apply now.
- Sign in and complete the application for your company.
- After approval, complete business verification to unlock up to $5,000 in Startup credits.
- Build on Azure and Foundry; more credits unlock as your usage and service adoption grow.
- If your investor is in Microsoft's Investor Network, ask them about the expanded offer.
Who it is for
Steps Microsoft for Startups (Azure AI and Foundry) helps with
Pros
- Open to unfunded startups
- Credits work on Foundry models and the wider Azure platform
- Marketplace and co-sell support
Cons
- Credits unlock in stages based on usage
- Top tier needs an Investor Network backer
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