OpenAI for Startups 🎁 Program

What you get

OpenAI's startup page offers resources at three levels. Anyone can use the Build resources: starter repos, Build Hours (live technical sessions), cookbooks and guides, plus founder events and the Startup Drop newsletter. Startups backed by a VC in OpenAI's partner network may also get free API credits, rate limit upgrades, time with solutions engineers, invitations to exclusive events and a direct line to the Startup team.

OpenAI does not publish a credit amount on the page. When your credits run out you move to standard billing automatically, with no downtime.

Who qualifies

API credits are tied to VC partners. The FAQ names Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins and Conviction Partners as examples of firms in the network, and tells you to ask your VC whether they are a partner. To apply you need a unique referral code from your VC, a description of your product and how you will use the API, your company name and contacts with a business email, basic funding details and your OpenAI organisation ID. No pitch deck is needed.

Good to know

• Without a partner VC, there is no direct credit application on the page; you still get the free learning resources and events.
• On paid plans you can request Zero Data Retention, which can help with HIPAA or GDPR needs.
• OpenAI runs many in-person events (builder lounges and university evenings with VC firms); check the calendar on the page.

Verdict

Useful if your investor is in OpenAI's network: ask them for the referral code first. If you are bootstrapped, use the free Build Hours and repos, and look at the other AI credit programmes in this category for actual credits.

1. Ask your VC whether they are in OpenAI's partner network and request a unique referral code.
2. Create an OpenAI account and find your organisation ID (Settings, Organization settings, General tab).
3. Prepare a short product description and how you plan to use the API, your company contacts with a business email and basic funding details.
4. Submit the credit application using your VC's referral code.
5. Track credit usage in your OpenAI platform billing pages.