Microsoft for Startups

How many Azure credits does Microsoft for Startups give?

Up to $200 when you join, and up to $150,000 over time. Microsoft raises the limit by itself, with no new application, as your startup verifies its business, uses more Azure services and keeps a steady monthly spend.

A workload is an Azure service you actively use, such as virtual machines, AI models or databases. The 60 days start once you have the required number, each with at least $1 in spend, and every one must stay above $1 for all 60 days. You do not have to pass the milestones in order.

Two deadlines end the credits if you miss them: business verification within 90 days of sign-up or before your usage reaches $200, and five workloads held for 60 days within 180 days of business verification. Miss either and the subscription moves to pay-as-you-go.

Source: Microsoft Learn: getting started with Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/getting-started-mfs), Microsoft Learn: unlock more benefits (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/standard-benefits/unlock-more-benefits)

Is the $1,000 Azure for Startups credit still available?

With an investor referral code, yes: Microsoft's application guide gives $1,000 in starter credits with a code from a partner in its Investor Network, and $200 without one. Without a code, its FAQ describes the same start for startups new to Azure: “$200 of initial startup credits for 90 days, then an additional $4,800 for 180 days after business verification”.

Azure's account page still lists an Azure for Startups offer of “$1,000 in Azure credits instantly” with up to $5,000 after business verification, while the getting-started page, the application guide and the FAQ give $200 without a code. The balance in your Azure portal is the one that counts.

Source: Microsoft Learn: applying to Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application), Azure for Students page (azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students), Microsoft for Startups FAQ (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/mfs-faqs), Microsoft Learn: getting started with Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/getting-started-mfs)

Who qualifies for Microsoft for Startups?

Privately held, for-profit companies that build their own software product, are headquartered where Azure is available, have not raised Series C or later and have had no more than $350,000 in free Azure credits. You do not need an investor to join.

A startup that works with an investor, accelerator or VC in Microsoft's Investor Network can ask it for a 10-character referral code before applying, which can unlock higher-tier benefits, including up to $150,000 in Startup credits.

Source: Microsoft Learn: applying to Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application)

How do you apply for Microsoft for Startups Azure credits?

Go to startups.microsoft.com, select Get started and sign in with a personal Microsoft account that has no prior Azure account; work, school and company email addresses are not accepted. Enter an investor referral code or continue without one, then set up the Azure account.

Without a code you verify with LinkedIn and go straight to creating the Azure account, skipping the longer application form. Microsoft reviews applications in about three business days and answers by email. A submitted application cannot be edited, and a declined startup may reapply after 14 days.

Source: Microsoft Learn: Microsoft for Startups overview (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/overview), Microsoft Learn: applying to Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application), Microsoft for Startups FAQ (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/mfs-faqs)

What does a Microsoft for Startups investor referral code add?

Bigger benefits sooner. Startups backed by a VC, accelerator, incubator or university in Microsoft's Investor Network can unlock up to $150,000 in total credits, free 24/7 Azure Standard Support, technical guidance and product benefits such as GitHub Enterprise.

Microsoft does not publish its list of partner investors, so ask your accelerator or VC for its 10-character code; you can enter it while applying or later in the portal. For a startup approved through the Investor Network, the FAQ gives a program benefit period of two years from approval.

Source: Microsoft Learn: unlock more benefits (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/standard-benefits/unlock-more-benefits), Microsoft Learn: applying to Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application), Microsoft for Startups FAQ (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/mfs-faqs)

Can Azure startup credits pay for Azure OpenAI, GitHub or Claude?

Azure OpenAI yes, GitHub after a setup step, Claude no. The credits pay for Azure services billed as standard Azure consumption at published pay-as-you-go rates and for Foundry models sold directly by Azure, which include all Azure OpenAI models; third-party AI models, Anthropic's among them, are not covered.

GitHub usage such as Copilot, Codespaces and Actions draws on the credits only after you add your Azure subscription as a payment method in GitHub's billing settings. Microsoft Support Plans, non-Azure products, third-party AI models, partner services and Microsoft Marketplace purchases are not covered and are billed separately. Microsoft sums up the model rule as “If Microsoft bills the AI model usage to your Azure subscription, startup credits apply.”

Source: Microsoft Learn: using startup credits (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/build/getting-started/use-startup-credits), Microsoft Learn: sponsorship coverage for Foundry models (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/build/getting-started/foundry-model-sponso...), Microsoft Learn: Foundry Models sold by Azure (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/foundry/foundry-models/concepts/models-sold-d...)

When do Microsoft for Startups credits expire?

Activate them within 90 days of accepting the program agreement. The $200 start lasts up to 90 days and the $5,000 milestone up to 180 days; reaching $25,000 gives a one-time two-year period to use the credits, and investor-backed startups get two years from approval. When they run out or expire, the subscription moves to pay-as-you-go billing on your card.

Microsoft's FAQ says unused credits “don't carry forward beyond the applicable benefit period, and extensions aren't available”, and that sign-up needs a new personal Microsoft account not used before with Azure Free Trial, Azure for Students or another Azure offer.

Source: Microsoft for Startups FAQ (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/microsoft-for-startups/mfs-faqs), Microsoft Learn: unlock more benefits (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/startups/standard-benefits/unlock-more-benefits), Microsoft Learn: applying to Microsoft for Startups (learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application)