Render Startup Credits
Render's Startup Program gives early-stage teams cloud hosting credits plus hands-on migration help to ship apps, services, and databases fast.
Last verified
Quick answer
Render offers eligible startups up to $100,000 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 $100,000 in credits
Render Startup Program
Tiered cloud credits: Prototype $500 (open to startups with at least $25K in seed funding), Build $2,500 via a partner or $5K via select partners, Scale $10K (under $1M raised) or $25K ($1M+) via an enrolled top-tier VC, and AI $100K for startups that raised $2.5M+ from an enrolled top-tier VC. All tiers are for Series A or earlier with under $50M raised.
- Prototype $500, Build $2,500–$5K, Scale $10K–$25K, AI $100K
- Tiered credits valid for 12 months
- Migration credits up to $10K for teams spending $2,501+/month elsewhere
- Hands-on onboarding and migration support
Best for
Do you qualify for Render?
You likely qualify if
- You are at Series A or earlier with under $50M raised
- You are new to Render and under 4 years in operation (under 5 for Scale)
- You have at least $25K in seed funding, or apply through a partner or enrolled VC for higher tiers
You won't qualify if
- You are bootstrapped with no outside funding
- You are already a Render customer, past Series A, or have raised $50M+
Common rejection reasons
- No qualifying funding (bootstrapped, or under $25K raised for Prototype)
- Wanting a higher tier without a partner or enrolled VC
How to apply for Render
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1
Find your tier
Prototype ($500) is open to startups with at least $25K in seed funding. Build ($2,500, or $5K via select partners) goes through a partner. Scale ($10K under $1M raised, $25K at $1M+) and AI ($100K, $2.5M+ raised) go through an enrolled top-tier VC.
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2
Submit the startup application
Apply at render.com/startups, or through your partner or VC for the higher tiers. Questions go to startups@render.com.
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3
Get reviewed and approved
Render reviews the application and applies credits on approval. Teams spending $2,501+/month on another provider can also ask about migration credits of up to $10K.
Stacks well with
Founders who claim Render commonly pair it with these to build a bigger credit stack.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Render give startups?
Render provides eligible startups with up to $100,000 in credits and resources across its programs.
Does Render take equity from startups?
No. Render's startup credits and perks are non-dilutive — you do not give up any equity to receive them.
Who qualifies for Render?
Eligible startups generally must meet criteria such as: Series A or earlier with under $50M raised; startups without outside funding don't qualify; New Render customer, under 4 years in operation (under 5 for Scale); Prototype needs at least $25K in seed funding; Build goes through a partner; Scale and AI go through an enrolled top-tier VC.
Is Render free for startups?
Applying is free. Render provides up to $100,000 in credits and resources with no equity required.
How do I apply for Render?
1) Find your tier, 2) Submit the startup application, 3) Get reviewed and approved. Full steps are on this page.
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