API credits via partner VCs
Offered by OpenAI · checked October 2026
OpenAI gives free API credits, higher rate limits and time with its solutions engineers to startups backed by a VC in its partner network. OpenAI does not publish an amount.
What you get
- Free OpenAI API credits for portfolio companies of partner VCs
- Rate limit upgrades and time with OpenAI solutions engineers
- Invitations to events and a direct line to the startup team
- Open to everyone: Build Hours, starter repos, cookbooks and the Startup Drop newsletter
Who qualifies
- Backed by a VC in OpenAI's partner network (named on the page: Thrive Capital, Sequoia, a16z, Kleiner Perkins, Conviction Partners)
- A unique referral code from that VC
- Valid business email, basic funding details, and your OpenAI org ID
How to apply
- Ask your lead investor whether they are an OpenAI partner and for a referral code
- Submit the credit application with the referral code, product description, contacts, funding details and org ID
Good to know: There is no direct application for bootstrapped or angel-funded startups — credits are unlocked only with a referral code from a partner VC. OpenAI publishes no dollar figure; any "$2,500" you see elsewhere is not an OpenAI offer.
Sources
Read in October 2026 from OpenAI's own pages. Programs change often; the vendor's page is the final word.
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