New applications paused · new program in early 2027
DigitalOcean Startup Credits
DigitalOcean Hatch gives startups that have raised $10M or less 12 months of infrastructure credits (amount varies) plus 15 months of Standard support.
Last verified
Quick answer
DigitalOcean Hatch is paused for new applications. DigitalOcean says an updated startup program launches in early 2027, and current members keep their credits and perks for their original term.
Available programs
Varies
DigitalOcean Hatch
12 months of DigitalOcean credits. The amount varies; participants generally have a $10,000 monthly limit. Core credits exclude GPU Droplets, H100 Kubernetes, Bare Metal GPUs, Serverless and Dedicated Inference, third-party models and Cloudways; selected startups are invited to a separate GPU Early-Stage Boost.
- 12 months of DigitalOcean credits (amount varies)
- Generally a $10,000 monthly limit
- Free Standard-tier paid support for 15 months
- One-on-ones with DigitalOcean product managers and engineers
- Partner discounts (Stripe, Notion, HubSpot and others)
- Selected startups are invited to the GPU Early-Stage Boost
Best for
Do you qualify for DigitalOcean?
You likely qualify if
- Have raised $10 million or less in funding
- Have not used DigitalOcean credits before
- Have a company website with a matching corporate/business email
You won't qualify if
- Run a service-based business such as a consultancy or agency
- Have already used DigitalOcean credits
- Need the credits mainly for GPU Droplets or inference (excluded from core Hatch credits)
Common rejection reasons
- Business email does not match the company website domain
- Applicant has already used DigitalOcean credits
How to apply for DigitalOcean
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1
Check eligibility
Have raised $10M or less, have a company website with a matching business email, and not have used DigitalOcean credits before. Service-based businesses aren’t eligible.
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2
Prepare your details
Create a DigitalOcean team account with your business email and add a valid credit card to it.
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3
Apply when the new program opens
Hatch applications are paused. DigitalOcean says an updated program launches in early 2027; the terms here describe the current program and may change.
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4
Get approved
Receive 12 months of credits (amount varies, generally up to $10,000 a month) plus 15 months of Standard support. Credits can’t be extended, and they exclude GPU Droplets, H100 Kubernetes, Bare Metal GPUs, Serverless and Dedicated Inference, third-party models and Cloudways.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim DigitalOcean commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does DigitalOcean give startups?
DigitalOcean provides eligible startups with 12 months of credits (amount varies) across its programs.
Does DigitalOcean take equity from startups?
No. DigitalOcean's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for DigitalOcean?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Raised $10M or less; A company website and a matching business email; A DigitalOcean team account registered with your business email, with a valid credit card on it.
Is DigitalOcean free for startups?
DigitalOcean Hatch is paused for new applications. DigitalOcean says an updated startup program launches in early 2027, and current members keep their credits and perks for their original term.
How do I apply for DigitalOcean?
DigitalOcean Hatch is paused for new applications. DigitalOcean says an updated startup program launches in early 2027, and current members keep their credits and perks for their original term.
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