Up to $150,000 Azure Credits and AI Enablement for Startups

Level 1 (L1)

Entry-level tier granting $1,000 in Azure credits to help founders launch quickly.

Credit Value

$1,000

Duration

Up to 12 months

Benefits

Launchpad

Basic benefits to help you get started

Level 1

$1,000 Azure credits for up to 12 months

Unlimited 1:1 sessions with Azure engineers and mentors

Free access to Microsoft Teams, GitHub Enterprise, and more

No external funding requirements

Eligibility

Lunar Gravity

Simple application process, usually just a quick form

Level 1

Privately held, for-profit, software-based product

No prior usage of more than $10k in Azure credits

Apply Now

1

Sign up on Founders Hub

Create a Microsoft for Startups account, provide basic startup details, and register an FEIN if applicable.

Apply

Level 2 (L2)

For early-stage startups that have begun validating their idea and have used part of L1.

Credit Value

$5,000

Duration

Up to 12 months

Benefits

Orbital

Enhanced benefits for growing projects

Level 2

$5,000 Azure credits for up to 12 months

Technical support and best practices for AI integration

Broadening access to partner offers (e.g., LinkedIn Premium, Stripe Atlas)

Continued advisory from Azure engineers

Eligibility

Earth Gravity

Moderate documentation like basic financials, pitch deck

Level 2

Has already enrolled in L1

Has used ~50% of L1 credits

Apply Now

1

Request Level 2 Upgrade

Demonstrate ongoing project progress and usage of L1 credits. Provide any requested business verification.

Apply for L2

Level 3 (L3)

For startups with product traction seeking more substantial Azure credits.

Credit Value

$25,000

Duration

Up to 12 months

Benefits

Stellar

Premium benefits for established projects

Level 3

$25,000 Azure credits for up to 12 months

Deeper engagement with Microsoft’s AI and cloud experts

Demo opportunities and co-selling support

Potential GPU VM access, subject to quota

Eligibility

Solar Gravity

More intense: interview rounds, additional verification documents

Level 3

Has substantially used L2 credits

Able to demonstrate a functional MVP or solution demo

Apply Now

1

Request Level 3 Upgrade

Submit a short demo of your solution, discuss resource needs, and pass business verification.

Apply for L3

Level 4 (L4)

For scaling AI startups looking for enterprise-grade support with up to $150k in credits.

Credit Value

$150,000

Duration

Up to 12 months

Benefits

Galactic

Ultimate benefits package for industry leaders

Level 4

$150,000 Azure credits for up to 12 months

Priority access to advanced AI models

Comprehensive technical and business advisory

Co-selling, marketplace exposure, and deeper partnership opportunities

Eligibility

Black Hole Gravity

Most demanding (complex due diligence)

Level 4

Has reached usage milestones in L3

Able to show a legitimate business with scaling customer demand

Apply Now

1

Request Level 4 Upgrade

Demonstrate higher usage of Azure resources and a strong go-to-market trajectory. Provide updated business verification if requested.

Apply for L4

Microsoft for Startups (Founders Hub)

Program Tiers

Level 1 (L1)

Benefits

Eligibility

Apply Now

Sign up on Founders Hub

Level 2 (L2)

Benefits

Eligibility

Apply Now

Request Level 2 Upgrade

Level 3 (L3)

Benefits

Eligibility

Apply Now

Request Level 3 Upgrade

Level 4 (L4)

Benefits

Eligibility

Apply Now

Request Level 4 Upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the general requirements for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub?

Do I need external funding or a specific stage to qualify?

How long do the credits last?

Can I use the credits for GPU-based AI workloads?

Are there vendor lock-in penalties or fees for the program?