Microsoft Startup Credits
Microsoft for Startups: $200 in Azure credits at signup, $5K after business verification, scaling up to $150K as Azure usage grows; investor-referred startups get a $1K starter grant and review for up to $150K. Pre-seed to Series B B2B startups.
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Quick answer
Microsoft offers eligible startups up to $150,000 in credits and resources, with no equity required. An application is required, and it is open to startups worldwide (pre-seed – series b).
Available programs
Up to $150,000
Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer
For startups affiliated with a participating investor, accelerator, incubator, angel network or university. A referral code from that organization gives $1,000 in starter Azure credits immediately; approved startups unlock expanded credits up to $150,000.
- $1,000 in starter Azure credits with an investor referral code
- Expanded credits up to $150,000 once approved
- Azure Standard Support and access to technical experts
- Discounts or free offers on GitHub Enterprise, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, LinkedIn Premium Business, Visual Studio Enterprise, Dynamics 365, and Power Platform
$200 to $150,000
Azure startup credit offer (no investor)
For startups without an investor: $200 in Azure credits at signup (LinkedIn identity verification), $5,000 after business verification, then automatic upgrades as you use more Azure: $25,000 at 5+ Azure services used for about 60 days, $50,000 at 7+, and $150,000 at 10+ services with about $3,000 a month in Azure spend for about 60 days. Reaching $25,000 also gives a one-time 2-year extension.
- $200 in Azure credits at signup
- $5,000 after business verification
- $25,000 / $50,000 / $150,000 as Azure usage grows (upgrades are automatic)
- No referral code needed
Best for
Do you qualify for Microsoft?
You likely qualify if
- You are a B2B startup building software, AI or tech, pre-seed through Series B
- You are privately held, not a subsidiary, and in a supported region
- You sign up with a personal Microsoft account
You won't qualify if
- You try to sign up with a work, school or company-domain email
- You are a subsidiary or a publicly held company
- You are past Series B
Common rejection reasons
- Signed up with a work or company-domain email instead of a personal Microsoft account
- Business verification fails or company details cannot be confirmed
How to apply for Microsoft
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1
Use a personal Microsoft account
Sign up at startups.microsoft.com with a personal Microsoft account. Work, school and company-domain emails are rejected.
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2
Choose your path
Without an investor, you get $200 in Azure credits at signup after LinkedIn identity verification. With a referral code from a participating investor, accelerator, incubator, angel network or university, you get $1,000 in starter credits immediately.
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3
Complete business verification
On the no-investor path, business verification unlocks $5,000. On the investor path, approval unlocks expanded credits up to $150,000.
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4
Grow into larger credits
No-investor credits upgrade automatically as you use Azure: $25,000 at 5+ services used for about 60 days, $50,000 at 7+, and $150,000 at 10+ services with about $3,000 a month in Azure spend for about 60 days. Reaching $25,000 gives a one-time 2-year extension.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Microsoft commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Microsoft give startups?
Microsoft provides eligible startups with up to $150,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does Microsoft take equity from startups?
No. Microsoft's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for Microsoft?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: B2B startup building software, AI or tech; privately held, not a subsidiary, in a supported region; Pre-seed through Series B; Sign up with a personal Microsoft account (work, school and company-domain emails are rejected).
Is Microsoft free for startups?
Applying is free. Microsoft provides up to $150,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for Microsoft?
1) Use a personal Microsoft account, 2) Choose your path, 3) Complete business verification, 4) Grow into larger credits. Full steps are on this page.
Pricing & guides for Microsoft
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Related resources
Microsoft Cloud Credits Startup Guide to $150K Azure
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How to Get Microsoft Azure Startup Credits in 2026 (Up to $150,000)
Complete guide to Microsoft for Startups. Learn how to get $200 in Azure credits at signup, $5,000 after verification and up to $150,000 as your Azure usage grows, or a $1,000 starter grant with an investor referral code.