AI & MLNot offered by DeepSeek

Does DeepSeek have a startup program?

DeepSeekChecked on api-docs.deepseek.com, October 18, 2026

No. DeepSeek has no startup program: its API is pay-as-you-go on one price list, and its docs state no free credit for new accounts.

DeepSeek's API pricing page bills by tokens on a single price list, and its FAQ says there are no tiered plans. The docs mention a "granted balance" that is spent before a topped-up one ("with a preference for using the granted balance first when both balances are available") but never say who receives one or how much, so plan on topping up a balance to use the API. Some server-side search calls are free for now: DeepSeek says per-request billing for them "starts at 00:00 Beijing time on November 1, 2026".

Source: DeepSeek (api-docs.deepseek.com), read October 18, 2026

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DeepSeek for Startups

Other lists mention DeepSeek startup credits. DeepSeek's own site states no startup program and no free credit for new API accounts.

It is not in our catalog because DeepSeek's own site does not offer it.

Today

What DeepSeek offers now

Pay-as-you-go API pricing from a topped-up balance; no free tier is stated.

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Questions

Common questions

Does DeepSeek have a startup program?

No. DeepSeek has no startup program: its API is pay-as-you-go on one price list, and its docs state no free credit for new accounts. We read DeepSeek's site on October 18, 2026.

What can I use instead of DeepSeek for Startups?

DeepSeek today: Pay-as-you-go API pricing from a topped-up balance; no free tier is stated. Open startup programs for the same job include DeepInfra DeepStart, OpenRouter Free Models, Together AI Startup Accelerator.