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Unlocking Azure credits as your startup grows

Open to anyone with an idea

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub brings people, knowledge and benefits together to help founders at every stage solve startup challenges. Sign up in minutes with no funding required.

Anyone who has started a company knows firsthand that the journey can be unpredictable. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub was designed with this in mind. Based on feedback from founders like you, Founders Hub provides cloud credits to build on Azure without restrictive timelines. As your startup grows, the number of free Azure credits you receive grows with you, so you can save money and develop at your own pace without eating into runway.  

Every startup that is accepted into the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is assigned to one of four levels based on your company stage: Ideate, Develop, Grow, and Scale. 

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub credit levels

  • Ideate: You are refining your startup idea and prototyping your product. At this stage you’ll get $1,000 in Azure credits to begin with.  
  • Develop: You know your solution has value and you are jumping into developing a minimally viable product. Receive $5,000 in Azure credits right away at this stage. 
  • Grow: You have launched your product and are focusing on shipping features and winning customers. You can immediately claim $25,000 in Azure credits. 
  • Scale: You have product market fit and are ready to focus on scaling your company. At this stage you can claim $150,000 right off the bat.  

The level to which you are assigned is determined by where you are in your startup journey. As your company and Azure usage grow, you will graduate to the next level and unlock more Azure credits (up to $150,000) and additional benefits. 

Azure credits can be used towards any Azure product, including Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cognitive Services, and more. Through Azure OpenAI Service you can access OpenAI models, including to access ChatGPT, GPT-4 and DALL·E 2, with added security of Microsoft Azure. Access to GPT-4 is currently by waitlist only, and startups can follow this link to apply for GPT-4 waitlist and/or request other modifications.  

We’re excited to offer Azure credits to all Founders Hub startups. Ready to get started? Sign up for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub today

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