Microsoft Azure Startup Credits

Azure for Startups (also known as Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub) is Microsoft’s cloud support initiative for startup founders across the world. It provides:

• Free Azure credits (up to $150,000)
• Technical tools like GitHub Enterprise, OpenAI APIs, VS Code
• Mentorship from Microsoft engineers
• Access to Microsoft’s partner network and go to market support
• Unlike many programs, you don’t need VC funding to apply just a startup idea and a professional email.

Azure’s startup support is extremely founder friendly. Here’s what makes you eligible

You Can Apply If:

• You have a startup or product idea
• You have less than $10 million in revenue (annually)
• You’re not yet funded or just received pre-seed/seed
• You’re building a product that can be deployed on Azure (web apps, AI tools, APIs, etc.)
• You’re in a supported country (India, USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia etc.)

Along with Azure credits, you also get

Development & AI Tools:

• GitHub Enterprise (free for 1 year)
• Visual Studio Enterprise
• OpenAI (via Azure) GPT-4 and DALL·E APIs
• Power BI, Azure Machine Learning, Azure Functions

Business & Productivity Tools:

• Microsoft 365 for Startups
• LinkedIn Premium
• Partner offers like Bubble, Stripe, Miro, Notion and Segment

Mentorship & GTM Support:

• 1:1 sessions with Microsoft cloud engineers
• Co-selling and market access for scaling startups
• Invitations to Microsoft-hosted startup events & hackathons

Microsoft for Startups is available to founders globally

• 🇺🇸 USA
• 🇮🇳 India
• 🇬🇧 UK
• 🇨🇦 Canada
• 🇦🇺 Australia
• 🇸🇬 Singapore
• 🇫🇷 France
• 🇩🇪 Germany

Microsoft also partners with Indian incubators like T-Hub, CIIE and NSRCEL to help local startups onboard with Azure.

Step by Step Process:

1. Go to: https://foundershub.startups.microsoft.com 

2. Sign up with your LinkedIn account

3. Fill in details about your startup/idea:

• Company name & industry
• Website or landing page (if available)
• Business email (recommended: yourname@yourstartup.com)

4. Choose your current stage (Idea, MVP, Early Revenue, Growth)

5. Submit the application

No VC recommendation or pitch deck is required.

✅ Approval typically takes 2 - 5 business days.

• Host secure web and mobile applications (Azure App Services, Azure Kubernetes)

• Build and deploy AI/ML models (Azure OpenAI, Cognitive Services, Azure ML)

• Create AI chatbots with ChatGPT and Azure Bot Framework

• Analyze data at scale (Azure Synapse, Power BI, Data Factory)

• Automate backend services (Azure Functions, Logic Apps)

• Use GitHub Copilot for coding with AI

Q1: Is Azure Founder Hub only for funded startups?

No. Even solo founders or early MVP startups can apply without VC funding.

Q2: How long do credits last?

Credits are valid for up to 1 - 2 years and scale as you grow.

Q3: Can I use OpenAI through Azure?

Yes! You get access to GPT-4, Codex, DALL·E and other models via Azure OpenAI Studio.

Q4: Is there support available?

Yes. You get direct technical help from Microsoft engineers and mentoring resources.

If you're building a startup from AI and SaaS to fintech or marketplaces Azure for Startups gives you all the tools and credits you need to grow confidently. No complex paperwork. No funding required. Just build, and Azure will support you.

With up to $150,000 in credits, GitHub Copilot, OpenAI, enterprise cloud infrastructure, and global scaling tools it’s the most underrated startup cloud program

• 🌐Apply for Microsoft for Startups 
• 📞 Need help? Reach out via in-app chat after registration
• 🔗 For incubators/accelerators: Partner with Microsoft to offer founder access

From CI/CD to infrastructure automation we’ve got you covered. Reach out for seamless DevOps integration and expert Azure solutions.