OpenAI Startup Credits
Up to $5,000 in OpenAI API credits — including the GPT-4o and ChatGPT API models — for venture-backed startups through OpenAI for Startups.
Quick answer
OpenAI offers eligible startups up to $5,000 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 $5,000 in API credits
OpenAI for Startups
API credit grant for OpenAI's models (the same models that power ChatGPT) — including GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o-series reasoning models, DALL·E, Whisper, and the Realtime/Voice APIs. Two access paths: $2,500 via Ramp's startup rewards, or up to $5,000+ for portfolio companies of OpenAI's VC and accelerator partner network.
- $2,500 in API credits via Ramp's startup rewards path
- Up to $5,000+ via OpenAI's 200+ VC and accelerator partners (a16z, Sequoia, Kleiner Perkins, Y Combinator, and more)
- Higher rate limits and usage tier upgrades
- Time with OpenAI solutions engineers and technical staff
- Founder community access, events, and early product previews
- Credits apply to OpenAI API usage — ChatGPT API, GPT-4o, DALL·E, Whisper, embeddings
Who qualifies for OpenAI?
- Must be less than 5 years old from incorporation
- Must be venture-backed via an OpenAI partner VC/accelerator OR enrolled through Ramp with verified VC funding
- Pre-revenue startups eligible with a functional product or prototype
- One credit grant per OpenAI organization — cannot be stacked
- Credits expire 12 months from issuance and are non-transferable
How to apply for OpenAI
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1
Check eligibility
Be under 5 years old and venture-backed via an OpenAI partner VC/accelerator (or enrolled through Ramp with verified VC funding). Pre-revenue is fine with a working product or prototype.
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2
Note the terms
One grant per OpenAI organization, can’t be stacked, and credits expire 12 months from issuance.
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3
Apply via OpenAI for Startups
Submit through your OpenAI partner at openai.com/startups.
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4
Get approved
Credits are applied to your OpenAI organization once accepted.
Frequently asked questions
How much does OpenAI give startups?
OpenAI provides eligible startups with up to $5,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does OpenAI take equity from startups?
No. OpenAI's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for OpenAI?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Must be less than 5 years old from incorporation; Must be venture-backed via an OpenAI partner VC/accelerator OR enrolled through Ramp with verified VC funding; Pre-revenue startups eligible with a functional product or prototype.
Is OpenAI free for startups?
Applying is free. OpenAI provides up to $5,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for OpenAI?
1) Check eligibility, 2) Note the terms, 3) Apply via OpenAI for Startups, 4) Get approved. Full steps are on this page.
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