Neon Startup Credits
Neon's Startup Program offers serverless Postgres credits so early-stage teams can run production-grade databases with branching while keeping infra costs near zero.
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Quick answer
Neon offers eligible startups up to $200,000 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 in credits
Neon Startup Program
Self-funded teams under $1M can get up to $1,000 in Neon credits. VC-backed startups and recognized-accelerator teams can get up to $200K in combined Neon and Databricks credits. Credits are valid for 12 months.
- Up to $200K in combined Neon and Databricks credits, valid for 12 months
- Onboarding support from the Neon product team and early feature access
- Co-marketing and speaking opportunities for VC-backed startups
Best for
Do you qualify for Neon?
You likely qualify if
- You are self-funded with under $1M building an MVP
- You are VC-backed and have raised at least $1M
- You are in a recognized accelerator such as Y Combinator
You won't qualify if
- You are an established company past early stage
- You have no product or MVP in development
Common rejection reasons
- No verifiable investor or accelerator affiliation for the VC track
- Incomplete application or non-company email
How to apply for Neon
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1
Complete the application form
Submit name, company email, company website, and your primary investor or accelerator at neon.com/startups.
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2
Wait for review
The Neon team reviews each application and typically responds within a few business days.
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3
Receive credits
On approval, credits are applied to your account and stay valid for 12 months: up to $1,000 for self-funded teams, or up to $200K in combined Neon and Databricks credits for VC-backed teams.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Neon commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Neon give startups?
Neon provides eligible startups with up to $200,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does Neon take equity from startups?
No. Neon's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for Neon?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Self-funded: under $1M in funding building an early-stage product or MVP; VC-backed: raised at least $1M or in a recognized accelerator such as Y Combinator.
Is Neon free for startups?
Applying is free. Neon provides up to $200,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for Neon?
1) Complete the application form, 2) Wait for review, 3) Receive credits. Full steps are on this page.
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