Grok for Startups: xAI Startup Program & Free Grok Credits
Grok for Startups from SpaceXSI (formerly xAI) gives venture-backed startups one credit balance across Grok, Grok Build, Grok Bot and the Grok API. Credits are sized by funding, revenue and current AI spend, aiming for about six months of real usage.
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Quick answer
SpaceXSI's Grok for Startups gives venture-backed startups with a live product one credit balance for Grok, Grok Build, Grok Bot and the Grok API. The amount depends on your funding, revenue and current AI spend; 20% is released on approval and 80% after onboarding. Apply at x.ai/startups with a company email.
Available programs
Sized to 6+ months of your usage
Grok for Startups
Promotional credits in one balance across Grok, Grok Build, Grok Bot and the Grok API. SpaceXSI sizes the grant by funding, revenue and current AI spend and aims for about six months of realistic usage. You get 20% on approval; the other 80% is released automatically once you complete onboarding.
- One credit balance for Grok, Grok Build, Grok Bot and the Grok API
- 20% of credits on approval, the remaining 80% after onboarding
- Hands-on onboarding and a direct line to the SpaceXSI startups team
- Startups that got credits from an earlier xAI program can still apply
Depends on the partner
VC and accelerator partners
Investors and accelerators can join as Grok for Startups partners and bring the program to their portfolio. A partner's minimum credit amount applies only if SpaceXSI approves your application.
- Apply through your VC or accelerator if it is a SpaceXSI program partner
- Partners join at x.ai/startups/partners
Best for
Do you qualify for SpaceXSI?
You likely qualify if
- You have venture backing and a live product
- You apply with a company email that matches your website domain
You won't qualify if
- You have not raised yet (you can reapply once you have)
- You only have a personal email address
- Your company already received a Grok for Startups grant
Common rejection reasons
- No venture funding yet
- Applying with a personal email address
- Details that can't be verified within 10 days
How to apply for SpaceXSI
-
1
Check you qualify
SpaceXSI looks for venture backing, a live product and a company email that matches your website. Applications from personal email addresses are not approved.
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2
Gather your details
You need your work email, LinkedIn profile, company website, funding details, revenue, current AI spend, team size and investors. Disclose any credits you already received from xAI or SpaceXSI.
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3
Apply at x.ai/startups
Submit the form at x.ai/startups/apply. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and SpaceXSI may contact your investors to verify the relationship. Answer any request for documents within 10 days.
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4
Onboard to unlock the rest
You get 20% of your credits on approval. The other 80% is released automatically once you complete the initial onboarding steps. Credits expire six months after they are applied unless your approval says otherwise.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim SpaceXSI commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does SpaceXSI give startups?
SpaceXSI provides eligible startups with Grok credits sized to about six months of usage across its programs.
Does SpaceXSI take equity from startups?
No. SpaceXSI's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for SpaceXSI?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Venture backing and a live product; A company email that matches your website domain (personal emails are not approved); One grant per company; disclose any credits you already received from xAI or SpaceXSI.
Is SpaceXSI free for startups?
Applying is free. SpaceXSI provides Grok credits sized to about six months of usage with no equity required.
How do I apply for SpaceXSI?
1) Check you qualify, 2) Gather your details, 3) Apply at x.ai/startups, 4) Onboard to unlock the rest. Full steps are on this page.
Does SpaceXSI have a startup program?
Yes. Grok for Startups, launched in October 2026, gives startups one credit balance across Grok, Grok Build, Grok Bot and the Grok API. Apply at x.ai/startups.
How many Grok credits do startups get?
SpaceXSI does not publish a fixed amount. It sizes each grant by funding, revenue and current AI spend, and aims for about six months of realistic usage.
Who qualifies for Grok for Startups?
Startups with venture backing, a live product and a company email that matches their website. If you have not raised yet, you can reapply once you have.
Why do I only get 20% of my credits at first?
You get 20% when you are approved. The other 80% is released automatically once you complete the initial onboarding steps.
Can I apply if I got xAI credits before?
Yes. SpaceXSI says it may be able to offer additional credits, but you must disclose earlier credits in your application. It is one Grok for Startups grant per company.
When do Grok for Startups credits expire?
Six months after they are applied to your account, unless your approval email says otherwise. Unused credits are forfeited, and after that you pay standard pricing.
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