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Microsoft for Startups is committed to helping early-stage startups build fast, scale smart, and sell more—with the best infrastructure, AI tools, and a global network of customers. Our goal is to meet startups where they are, providing the right support, at the right time. To do this more effectively, we're expanding how startups can engage with Microsoft by introducing two distinct paths: one for investor-backed startups and another open to early-stage startups (no funding required). Both are designed to make accessing Azure credits and resources, no matter how a startup enters our ecosystem.
What's changing?
Beginning July 1, startups will be able to access Microsoft for Startups benefits through two simple paths. If you're affiliated with our investor community (the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network) – like a university, accelerator, angel, incubator, or VC – you'll receive a referral code that unlocks Azure credits, additional support, and tailored resources from Microsoft.
For startups not working with an affiliated investor, we're launching an Azure startup credit offer available to startups who are new to Azure. These startups are eligible for up to $5,000 in free Azure credits.
Please visit https://www.microsoft.com/startups to learn more.
What this means for our current Microsoft for Startups program participants
Startups affiliated with an investor in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network
If you've been mapped to an affiliated investor, you'll continue into the next phase of the program. Depending on your entry level and investor, you may receive additional Azure credits before July 1, 2025.
Startups not affiliated with an investor in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network
If you've already activated your Azure benefit, you can continue using your credits until your current expiration date. After that, your Azure account will transition to a pay-as-you-go plan. All other existing benefits remain available until your graduation date.
Startups who haven't activated Azure by July 1, 2025
You're directed to the new Azure startup credit offer. If you're working with an affiliated investor, you're encouraged to reapply using their referral code.
The Pegasus program is not changing.
Why are we making this change?
Like the startups we support, we're always evolving to better serve our customers. In working with Microsoft for Startups founders over the years, we've learned that startups have different needs depending on where they are in their journey. Some want to move quickly with minimal friction, while others benefit from more hands-on support. By introducing two distinct paths—a streamlined, self-service experience for earlier-stage startups, and a higher touch experience for investor-backed startups, we're making it easier for every founder to access the right resources, at the right time. This change helps us support more startups in a way that's scalable, flexible, and aligned with their unique needs.
What's the difference between the Microsoft for Startups offering and the Azure startup credit offer?
| Access | By referral from affiliated investors in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network | Open to all eligible startups new to Azure |
| Azure credits | Starts at $100,000 | Up to $5,000 |
| Support | Dedicated support, comarketing, and more | Self-service |
| Eligibility | Must apply with referral code | Must pass business verification |
Startups currently in Microsoft for Startups (formerly known as Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub)
How much longer can I use my credits?
If you have activated your Azure benefit, you can use your credits until their current expiration date. After that, your Azure account will transition to a pay-as-you-go plan.
Can I still get more credits after redeeming my current allocation?
No, you will graduate with your current allocation of Azure credits unless you're working with an affiliated investor. If so, we recommend checking with them to see if you're eligible for continued support.
What if I am working with several investors and have more than one referral code?
If you're already working with Microsoft for Startups, please contact support and share all your codes so we can ensure you receive the best available offer.
If you're new, apply with any code and contact support afterward to update your application.
If you're new to the program, apply with any code and contact support once you're accepted to provide additional codes.
Any other changes?
To simplify how startups engage with Microsoft, we're retiring the Expert Network and the Champion Network program, including the Champion Network brand name.
We're also retiring the name "Founders Hub". Going forward, we refer to everything simply as Microsoft for Startups—a single, unified way for startups to connect with Microsoft and access the benefits that matter most.
I am currently working with Microsoft for Startups, and I received an investment. Do I have to reapply? How can I maintain my account? Will there be any changes?
If you're working with an affiliated investor, you may be eligible for additional credits, benefits, and support. Ask your investor for a referral code and then contact Microsoft for Startups support. If your investor doesn't have a code, please direct them to this form where they can express interest in becoming part of our Investor Network.
If you haven't already activated Azure, you may have to reapply with your investor referral code.
For Investor-backed Startups
How do I know if my investor (accelerator, VC, university) is affiliated with the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network?
Contact your organization for a code to apply.
Microsoft for Startups' investor offering partners with the leading global startup accelerators and venture capital firms to provide their startups with access to Microsoft resources via our Microsoft for Startups Investor Network. If your organization directly enables startups through investment, incubation, or go-to-market acceleration, and you're interested in Microsoft for Startups, you may indicate your interest here.
What benefits will Investor Network–affiliated startups get through Microsoft for Startups?
Azure credits, dedicated support, and discounted first- and third-party services and more – tailored to your stage and investor.
How many Azure credits do Investor Network–affiliated startups get?
Most startups begin with $100,000 in Azure credits, with opportunities to earn more based on your investor and engagement level.
For New Startups
I'm not working with an investor. Can I still work with Microsoft?
Yes! Startups new to Azure can receive:
$1,000 in credits (valid for 90 days)
An additional $4,000 (valid for 180 days) after business verification
If you later receive funding from an affiliated investor, you can apply to the Microsoft for Startups investor offering using their referral code.
Who qualifies for the Azure startup credit offer?
To qualify for the $1,000 startup credit offer, you must meet the following criteria:
Be a new customer with no prior Azure account.
Sign up or sign in using a valid personal Microsoft account (MSA).
Be located in an eligible country/region where this Azure offer is available.
Learn more at Get $1,000 in Azure Credits for Startups | Microsoft Learn.
For Investors
What does an affiliated investor in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network receive?
Affiliated investors receive enhanced support from Microsoft for their portfolios, including:
Azure credits for startups
A dedicated Microsoft contact
Priority access to GPU clusters
Comarketing and go-to-market opportunities
How do I join the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network and become an affiliated investor?
If you or your organization already have an existing relationship with Microsoft for Startups, please reach out to your program contact directly to request a referral code.
If you're unsure of your status, we invite you to fill out our Investor Interest Form here.
What types of investors do Microsoft for Startups work with?
We partner with select venture capitalists, incubators, accelerators, and universities to offer support and benefits to early-stage startups.
What if the startups my organization works with aren't early stage?
If the businesses you work with are ready to sell with Microsoft, check out our ISV Success program—designed to help you build AI-powered solutions, provide hands-on technical guidance, and grow your business globally through the Microsoft commercial marketplace. ISV Success | Microsoft ISV Hub
