Several major cloud providers offer startup programs with significant credits and benefits. Here's how to apply for the main cloud startup programs:
Google offers two tiers based on your startup's stage[1][2]:
Start Tier (Early-stage startups):
- Up to $2,000 USD in credits valid for one year[2]
- Eligibility: Under 5 years old, not yet funded by institutional investors, haven't received Google Cloud credits beyond free trial[2]
Scale Tier (Funded startups):
- Up to $200,000 total ($100,000 in year 1, additional $100,000 at 20% coverage in year 2)[1][2]
- Eligibility: Received startup equity funding from pre-seed to Series A, under 10 years old, haven't received more than $5,000 in Google Cloud credits[2]
Application Requirements:
- GCP account and Billing ID[3]
- Publicly available company website[3]
- Company email domain matching your website[3]
- Apply through the Google Cloud for Startups portal[3]
Microsoft provides up to $350,000 in technology resources, including $150,000 in Azure credits[4].
Eligibility Requirements:
- Software-based startup, privately held and for-profit[4]
- Under 5 years old with less than $10M yearly revenue[4]
- Raised no more than $20M in funding, within Series C rounds[4]
- Headquarters in a country where Azure services are available[4]
Application Process:
- Set up Microsoft Founders Hub account using LinkedIn (profile must be up-to-date)[4]
- Complete the 10-minute application with company details, funding information, and investor details[4]
- Submit supporting materials including a short video presentation (maximum 10 minutes) demonstrating your website and MVP[4]
- Use business email (avoid personal emails like @gmail.com for better approval chances)[4]
Applications are reviewed within three business days, with only 1-3% acceptance rate[4].
Cloudflare offers up to $250,000 in credits[5].
Simple 3-Step Process:
- Create a free Cloudflare account and add a valid credit card[5]
- Fill out the application form with details about what you're building and your team[5]
- Check your inbox for confirmation emails[5]
For better approval chances:
- Use your business email domain that matches your company website[4][3]
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and up-to-date for Microsoft applications[4]
- Prepare clear documentation of your software solution and business model[4]
- Have your company incorporation papers ready[4]
- Create a product demonstration video if applying for higher credit tiers[4]
The application processes are generally straightforward, but meeting eligibility requirements and providing complete documentation significantly improves your chances of approval.
[1] https://startup.google.com/cloud/ [2] https://cloud.google.com/startup/benefits [3] https://www.vestbee.com/blog/articles/google-cloud-credits-for-startups-a-comprehensive-guide [4] https://pitchbob.io/library/accelerators/how-to-apply-for-microsoft-for-startups-from-application-to-approval-pitchbob-io [5] https://www.cloudflare.com/forstartups/ [6] https://cloud.google.com/startup [7] https://cloud.google.com/startup/apply [8] https://nebius.com/startups-program [9] https://startup.ovhcloud.com/en/startups/ [10] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application
https://fidforward.com/blog/guide_to_free_ai_api_credits/