Microsoft for Startups — Up to $150K Azure Credits
Up to $150,000 in Azure credits
Offered by Microsoft Azure · checked October 2026
Microsoft for Startups gives every approved startup $200 in Azure credits, and up to $150,000 with a referral code from an investor in its network — plus GitHub Enterprise and Microsoft 365.
What you get
- $200 in Azure starter credits on account creation, usable immediately
- After approval: expanded credits up to $150,000 total Startup credits, 'depending on eligibility and prior usage'
- Investor-backed startups: Azure Standard Support (24/7) at no cost, GPU-enabled infrastructure (subject to availability), technical guidance
- Product benefits: GitHub Enterprise (up to 20 users), Microsoft 365 Business Premium (up to 50 seats), Dynamics 365, Power Platform, LinkedIn Premium
- Credits unlock over time 'based on verified progress, service adoption, and sustained Azure usage'
Who qualifies
- Pre-seed through Series C funding
- B2B startups building software, AI or technology solutions; working toward or at MVP
- Privately held, independent (not a subsidiary); headquartered in a supported region
- Higher tier (up to $150K) requires a 10-character referral code from a VC/accelerator/incubator/university in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network
- Personal Microsoft account with no prior Azure account (work/company emails not accepted at sign-up)
How to apply
- Click 'Get started now' on microsoft.com/startups and sign in with a personal Microsoft account
- Enter an investor referral code if you have one, or choose 'Continue without a code' (verify with LinkedIn)
- Create the Azure account (card required); review typically within 3 business days
Good to know: The $150,000 tier needs a referral code from a VC, accelerator or university in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network. Without one you start at $200, and credits unlock over time as you use Azure.
Sources
Read in October 2026 from Microsoft Azure's own pages. Programs change often; the vendor's page is the final word.
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