Microsoft
Corporate·United States·2 programs
Microsoft for Startups gives privately held, pre-Series C software startups Azure credits plus AI tooling and go-to-market support. Everyone applies through the same door, but the credit ceiling jumps by roughly 20x when the application carries a referral code from a Microsoft for Startups Investor Network partner.
What Microsoft funds
Azure startup credit offer (self-serve)Cloud & AI credits
Microsoft
$1,000–$5,000
Credits
The no-referral Azure credit path: $1,000 for 90 days, then a further $4,000 for 180 days once the business is verified.
Decision within 3 daysAlways openCompany required
Microsoft for Startups investor offerCloud & AI credits
Microsoft
$100,000–$150,000
Credits · 24mo
The $100,000-$150,000 Azure credit tier, unlocked only by a referral code from a Microsoft for Startups Investor Network partner.
Decision within 3 daysAlways openReferral neededCompany required