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Microsoft for Startups
Up to $150,000 Azure credits, unlocked over time
Who qualifies
- Privately held, for-profit, and owns a software product or service
- Headquartered in a country where Azure is available
- Has not raised Series C or later
- Has not received more than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits
- NOT eligible: consultancies, agencies, educational institutions, government bodies or crypto mining
In their own words
Unlock up to $150K in Startup credits over time as your startup demonstrates verified progress, service adoption, and sustained Azure usage — Microsoft, read 2026-09-19
What to know
Corrected 2026-09-19 from Microsoft's own docs. Two things matter here. First, the $150,000 is unlocked gradually as you actually use Azure, not granted up front - credits start small. Second, agencies and consultancies are explicitly barred, which disqualifies a large number of people who assume they qualify. Applications are reviewed in about three business days. Azure credits also pay for OpenAI models through Microsoft Foundry.
Goes to Microsoft's own page. We last read it on 2026-09-19 and check it again every morning.