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)
ElevenLabs 3-Month Free Business-Tier
Build human-like voices into your new product or startup with a 3-month grant offering Business-tier subscription access. Get 11 million text characters per mon
Estuary Flow Startup Program
Get $2,000 in free credits for Estuary Flow's Cloud plan over 12 months, plus complimentary email and Slack-based technical support and access to step-by-step t
Fireworks Ignite Startup Program
Get up to $100,000 in Fireworks credits, priority support, and exclusive access to product roadmap sessions for AI startups
Fivetran Startup Program
Y Combinator startups receive $50,000 in free Fivetran usage for 12 months, plus technical support and onboarding resources.
Formaloo for Startups
Formaloo offers $1,000 in platform credits to early-stage startups, enabling them to access advanced no-code features and premium tools for growth.
Framer Startup Offer
Empowering early-stage startups with a $2000 credit package: $1,000 for hiring a vetted Framer Expert via Contra and $1,000 for Framer hosting and maintenance,
Freshworks FreshStack Startup Program
Get $3,000 in credits for Freshworks' suite of customer experience and business software solutions
Front for Startups Program
Qualifying startups receive 6 months of free access to Front's Growth plan for up to 15 users, along with an AI add-on offering up to 1,000 automated resolution
GanttPRO Startup Program
The GanttPRO Startup Program offers eligible startups up to $3,000 in credits for accessing its Business Plan and advanced project management tools, enabling se
Google for Startups Cloud Program
Accelerate your startup journey with flexible tiers that match your company's growth stage—providing up to $200,000 USD in Google Cloud credits, technical resou
Google Cloud $300 Trial
New GCP customers can receive $300 in credit to explore and deploy a range of Google Cloud products, plus additional perks for verified business accounts.
Google AI Startup Program
Through the Google for Startups Cloud Program, AI startups can access specialized credits and resources to build on Google Cloud's infrastructure, generative AI
Google Cloud Web3 Startup Program
Build faster and easier with Google Cloud's Web3 startup program, giving you the technology, community, and resources to focus on innovation over infrastructure
GitLab for Startups
Build your startup's future on GitLab, a platform unifying development, security, and operations from day one. Qualifying companies can receive up to 20 free Gi
Google Workspace Promo Code
Get 15% off Google Workspace business plans for the first 3 months through Googally, an authorized Google reseller in 24 countries
Google Ads New Advertiser Promotion
Google Ads offers new advertisers a selection of promotional offers to jumpstart their first campaign with free ad credits tailored to their initial spend.
Grafana Labs Startup Program
Get up to $100,000 in Grafana Cloud credits for 12 months with enterprise plugins and 24/7 support
GrowSurf for Startups Program
Qualified early-stage startups receive referral marketing discounts and bonus participants with GrowSurf's platform to accelerate growth.
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.