Google Cloud Startup Credits
Up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over 2 years for Seed to Series A startups, up to $350,000 on the AI track, and $2,000 for pre-funded startups.
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Quick answer
Google Cloud offers eligible startups up to $350,000 in credits and resources, with no equity required. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – series a).
Available programs
Up to $200,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Google Cloud credits over 2 years for Seed to Series A startups: year 1 covers 100% of usage up to $100,000, year 2 covers 20% of usage up to $100,000.
- Up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits over 2 years for Seed to Series A startups
- Year 1: 100% of usage up to $100,000; year 2: 20% of usage up to $100,000
- $2,000 in credits for 1 year for pre-funded startups (Start tier)
- Access to Google Cloud experts and technical guidance
- Architecture review sessions
- Access to Google Cloud's startup community
Up to $350,000
Google for Startups Cloud Program (AI track)
For AI-first startups (Seed–Series A) that use Gemini as the foundation of their core product: up to $250,000 in credits in year 1, then 20% of usage up to $100,000 in year 2.
- Up to $250,000 in Google Cloud credits in year 1
- Year 2: 20% of usage covered, up to $100,000
- Gemini must be the foundation of your core product
Best for
Do you qualify for Google Cloud?
You likely qualify if
- Founded within the last 5 years (Scale and AI tiers) or 24 months (Start tier) and building a technology product
- Raised institutional equity from pre-seed to Series A (Series A within last 12 months)
- Have not received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits (Scale and AI tiers) or any beyond the free trial (Start tier)
You won't qualify if
- Funded only via grants, crowdfunding, angel, or friends-and-family rounds (for the Scale/AI tiers)
- Gemini is not the foundation of your core product (AI track)
- An existing large Google Cloud customer who has already consumed significant credits
Common rejection reasons
- Company website domain does not match the billing/email domain
- Funding source or stage does not meet the targeted tier requirements
How to apply for Google Cloud
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1
Check eligibility
Pre-funded startups founded within the last 24 months can get $2,000 in credits for 1 year. Seed to Series A startups founded within the last five years can get up to $200,000 over 2 years (up to $350,000 on the AI track if Gemini is the foundation of your core product).
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2
Prepare your details
Have your company website, funding stage, and accelerator/VC/partner association ready. AI-first startups should note the Scale tier for the AI track.
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3
Apply via Google for Startups
Submit through the Google for Startups Cloud Program application. Most founders complete it in under 15 minutes.
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4
Get approved
Credits are applied to your Google Cloud billing account once accepted, valid for up to 2 years.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Google Cloud commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Google Cloud give startups?
Google Cloud provides eligible startups with up to $350,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does Google Cloud take equity from startups?
No. Google Cloud's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for Google Cloud?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Start tier ($2,000 for 1 year): pre-funded, founded within the last 24 months, and no Google Cloud credits beyond the free trial; Scale and AI tiers: Seed to Series A, founded within the last five years, and no more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits received before; AI tier: Gemini is the foundation of your core product, and Pre-Seed/Seed raised within five years or Series A within 12 months.
Is Google Cloud free for startups?
Applying is free. Google Cloud provides up to $350,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for Google Cloud?
1) Check eligibility, 2) Prepare your details, 3) Apply via Google for Startups, 4) Get approved. Full steps are on this page.
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