Startup Credits
Startup Credits & Programs
Free and heavily discounted credits for early-stage startups — distinct from coupon deals. Cloud computing, AI APIs, and SaaS tools across AWS, GCP, Azure, IBM, Anthropic, OpenAI, HubSpot, Mixpanel, GitHub, and more.
269+ programs across cloud, AI, and SaaS. Credit amounts, eligibility requirements, application links, and honest verdicts on which programs are worth your time — including 29+ accessible without a VC. Updated May 2026.
Cloud Provider Credits
Free cloud infrastructure credits from AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Oracle and more for early-stage startups.
AI Platform Credits
API credits and free access to leading AI models -- Anthropic, OpenAI, Mistral, Together AI and more for startups building with AI.
SaaS Startup Programs
Discounted and free access to top SaaS tools -- CRM, support, analytics, and infrastructure -- through official startup programs.
The bootstrapped startup credits stack
Over $230K in cloud credits and $125K+ in AI credits accessible without any investor or accelerator affiliation. IBM Cloud ($120K), Cloudflare (BOOTSTRAPPED code), Oracle, Vultr, Anthropic, PostHog, GitHub for Startups, and more.
All startup credit programs (269)
Oracle Cloud Free Tier
Oracle Cloud Free Tier enables users to build, test, and deploy applications on Oracle Cloud for free, starting with a US$300 free trial and continuing with a s
Open Telekom Cloud TechBoost Program
Accelerate your cloud-based startup with Deutsche Telekom's TechBoost program, offering up to €100,000 in Open Telekom Cloud credits, access to a vast B2B netwo
OVHcloud Startup Program
Accelerate development with up to €100,000 free cloud credits
Pangea Startup Program
Access to Pangea's AI security guardrails and protection services designed for startups building secure AI applications with just a few lines of code.
Phospho Startup Program: $2000 AI Builder Credits
Early-stage AI SaaS developers can get $2000 in free AI builder credits from Phospho, reducing financial risk and enabling rapid experimentation to achieve prod
Pilot for Startups Program
Early-stage companies get up to $30,000 in Pilot credits to build a super wiki, plus visibility perks and referral rewards.
Pinecone for Startups
Free access to Pinecone's Standard Tier and Pro Support for AI startups building vector search applications
PlayAI Education & Nonprofit Discount
Students, educators, and verified nonprofit organizations receive a 20% discount on every PlayAI subscription plan.
Postmark Bootstrapper Offer
Get $75 to help offset email costs with Postmark's reliable transactional email delivery, designed specifically for bootstrapped startups.
Pulumi for Startups
Pulumi for Startups offers up to $10,000 in Pulumi Credits and exclusive technical support to help pre-Series A companies scale their cloud infrastructure effic
Qdrant for Startups
AI-focused startups receive a 20% discount on Qdrant Cloud for 12 months, one-on-one technical guidance, and exclusive partner perks.
QuickNode Startup Program
QuickNode's Startup Program empowers blockchain startups with exclusive product credits, discounts, technical support, and community networking to accelerate We
Reclaim Startup Discount Program
Eligible startups receive 20% off any paid Reclaim plan (Starter and Business) for 3 years, providing long-term cost savings and enhanced team scheduling.
Redis Startup Program
The program offers early-stage startups free Redis Cloud access for 12 months along with technical support, early feature access, and go-to-market opportunities
Remote For Startups Program
Remote enables startups to streamline international hiring, compliance, and payroll management through its tailored Remote For Startups Program, allowing them t
RemotePass Startup Discount Program
Early-stage startups with under $5 million in funding receive 1 month of contractor management free, 33% off for the following 9 months, and 15% off employee pa
Rime API Credits Program for YC Startups
Rime provides $5,000 in API credits to YC startups for seamless integration of their advanced text-to-speech API, complete with priority support and early acces
ScaleGrid Startup Program
Get started with the ScaleGrid Startup Program and enjoy a 50% discount on fully managed, BYOC hosting plans for PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, and MongoDB for 12 mo
How to stack startup credits in 2026
- 01
Apply to cloud credits first — highest dollar value
Cloud credits have the highest dollar value ($100K–$350K) and compound longest. Apply to AWS Activate Founders ($1K, instant, no VC) and GCP startup credits on day one. Then add Microsoft Founders Hub, IBM Cloud, Oracle, and Cloudflare (BOOTSTRAPPED code) for bootstrapped teams. - 02
Unlock AI credits through your accelerator for maximum amounts
Anthropic ($25K–$100K) and OpenAI ($2.5K–$100K) credits scale with your accelerator or VC affiliation. Apply through your program benefits dashboard for the top tier. Without a partner, apply directly for the base tier — both accept direct applications. - 03
GitHub for Startups — most founders never apply
GitHub for Startups offers $10K in platform credits plus up to $40K in non-dilutive cash. Direct application — under 5 years old and under $1M raised. Apply immediately at github.com/solutions/startups. Most qualifying founders have never heard of this program. - 04
Check the bootstrapped track before assuming you need a VC
Over $230K in cloud credits is accessible without any investor affiliation: IBM Cloud ($120K), Vultr ($100K), Cloudflare (code BOOTSTRAPPED, up to $250K), Oracle ($10K), and AWS Activate Founders ($1K instant). Plus $125K+ in AI credits with direct apply. - 05
Model credit expiry before activating
Credits with 12-month validity (Oracle, GCP, IBM) should not be activated until you have real infrastructure usage. AWS Activate credits are valid 24 months — the safest to activate early. Activate close to your launch date to maximise value. - 06
Stack programs — they are not exclusive
There is no rule against holding credits from multiple providers simultaneously. Most funded startups run AWS + GCP + Azure + Anthropic + OpenAI + Datadog credits at the same time. Apply to all programs you qualify for — the applications are independent.
Startup credits — frequently asked questions
What are startup credits? +
Startup credits are free cloud, AI, and SaaS access programs offered by software companies to early-stage startups. They typically provide $1K–$350K in credits toward cloud infrastructure (AWS, GCP, Azure), AI APIs (Anthropic, OpenAI), and SaaS tools (HubSpot, Intercom, Mixpanel). The goal is to lower your infrastructure costs during development and early revenue stages.
How much can a startup get in total credits in 2026? +
A startup that qualifies for all major programs can access over $1M in total credits across cloud, AI, and SaaS. Realistically, most funded startups access $200K–$500K. Bootstrapped startups without VC affiliation can access $230K+ in cloud credits and $125K+ in AI credits through direct-apply programs.
Do I need to be VC-backed to get startup credits? +
No. Many high-value programs accept direct applications with no investor or accelerator affiliation: IBM Cloud for Startups ($120K), Cloudflare for Startups (BOOTSTRAPPED code, up to $250K), Oracle for Startups ($10K), Vultr ($100K), AWS Activate Founders ($1K instant), Anthropic for Startups ($25K), Together AI ($50K), PostHog ($50K), and GitHub for Startups ($50K + $40K cash).
Which startup credit programs are easiest to get? +
AWS Activate Founders approves automatically the same day with no partner required. NVIDIA Inception is free with instant access. Twilio for Startups ($5K) approves same-day with direct application. IBM Cloud, Oracle, and Anthropic direct-apply tiers typically approve in 3–10 business days.
Can I stack startup credits from multiple providers? +
Yes — startup credit programs are independent and non-exclusive. There is no rule preventing you from holding credits from AWS, GCP, Azure, IBM, Anthropic, OpenAI, and Mixpanel simultaneously. Most funded startups do exactly this. Apply to every program you qualify for.
How do I apply for startup credits? +
Each program has its own application. For instant programs: apply directly at the provider website (AWS, Twilio, NVIDIA). For partner-gated programs: log into your accelerator or VC benefits portal (Y Combinator Bookface, a16z portfolio hub, etc.) and access the credit links there. For direct-apply programs: apply at the provider website with your company details.