CircleCI Startup Program

Early-stage startups get up to $20,000 in CI/CD compute credits and free support for up to two years.

CircleCIUpdated weekly · may be out of date · checked 6 wk ago

CircleCI Startup Program is a developer tools perk from CircleCI worth up to $20,000 in compute credits, for VC- or accelerator-backed startups under 5 years old.

Value: Up to $20K
Who qualifies: VC / accelerator-backed
Benefit type: Credits
Terms: Verified

Apply at CircleCI

What you get

Inside CircleCI Startup Program

Up to $20,000 in compute credits across Docker, Linux, Arm, macOS and Windows, up to 24 months free, plus free Starter Support (valued at $249/mo).

Source: The provider's official program page · as of Aug 19, 2026

Eligibility

Who it's for

Pre-seed Seed Series A VC / accelerator-backed

Funding / backing: VC / accelerator-backed
Startup stage: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A
Company age: Under 5 years old
Geography: Global
Recurring / expiry: Promotional period up to 24 months or until credits consumed
Other requirements: Must be new to CircleCI or on the Free plan; founded within the last 5 years; part of a recognized accelerator/VC OR proof of minimum $500K raised. Credit amount and duration vary by stage and location.

How to claim

How to apply for CircleCI Startup Program

What to have ready

Confirmation of your accelerator / investor backing (a referral or partner code)
Confirmation you were founded within the last 5 years

Steps to apply

1Apply at circleci.com/startup-program or email startups@circleci.com.

Good to know: Official page confirms $20k cap, 24-month max, and the $500K-raised-or-accelerator requirement.

Apply at CircleCI

Source: The provider's official program page · as of Aug 19, 2026

Value is the headline maximum CircleCI advertises. What your company actually receives depends on your eligibility and how you use the program, and terms can change. Independent comparison, not affiliated with the programs listed. Confirm current terms on the provider's page.

If you don't qualify

Compare other developer tools programs

CircleCI Startup Program has eligibility restrictions. These alternatives have no accelerator or investor requirement. Check each provider’s current terms and availability.

Kong for Startups

Kong

$100K

Confidence Early-Stage Startup Program

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chipIgnite MPW Shuttle

ChipFoundry

Up to $15K

Questions

CircleCI Startup Program: common questions

How much is CircleCI Startup Program worth?

CircleCI Startup Program is worth up to $20,000 in compute credits.

Who qualifies for CircleCI Startup Program?

CircleCI Startup Program is for VC- or accelerator-backed pre-seed, seed and Series A startups under 5 years old. Must be new to CircleCI or on the Free plan; founded within the last 5 years; part of a recognized accelerator/VC OR proof of minimum $500K raised. Credit amount and duration vary by stage and location.

Do I need to be VC-backed or in an accelerator to get CircleCI Startup Program?

Yes. CircleCI Startup Program requires venture or accelerator backing; the higher tiers are unlocked through your investor or accelerator. Must be new to CircleCI or on the Free plan; founded within the last 5 years; part of a recognized accelerator/VC OR proof of minimum $500K raised. Credit amount and duration vary by stage and location.

How do I apply for CircleCI Startup Program?

Apply at circleci.com/startup-program or email startups@circleci.com.

How long do I have to use CircleCI Startup Program, and does it expire?

Promotional period up to 24 months or until credits consumed

Is CircleCI Startup Program available outside the US?

CircleCI Startup Program is available globally, subject to the provider's terms.