Startup credit programs compared
The main cloud and AI startup credit programs side by side: headline value, who qualifies, and what decides the top tier.
Every major provider will pay part of a startup's bills, but the programs differ in size, who can apply and how. This page compares the main ones. Values come from CreditBase's dataset of 878 programs and are up-to amounts.
Cloud startup programs
- AWS ActivateUp to $5,000 self-serve (Founders); up to $200,000 with an Activate Provider (Portfolio)Credits · Amazon Web Services · Global
- Google for Startups Cloud ProgramUp to $200,000 (up to $350,000 for AI-first startups)Credits · Google Cloud · Global
- Microsoft for Startups Founders HubUp to $150,000 in Azure creditsCredits · Microsoft · Global
- Cloudflare for StartupsUp to $250,000 in creditsCredits · Cloudflare · Global
- DigitalOcean HatchUp to $100,000 in credits (12 months)Credits · DigitalOcean · Global
Free trials (anyone can open one)
Smaller and shorter than startup programs, and no company is needed.
- Google Cloud Free Trial$300 credit for 90 daysCredits · Google Cloud · Global
- Azure free account$200 credit for 30 days + 12 months of free servicesCredits · Microsoft Azure · Global
- AWS Free Tier creditsUp to $200 in creditsCredits · Amazon Web Services · Global
- DigitalOcean free trial$200 credit for 60 daysCredits · DigitalOcean · Global
AI and GPU programs
- Anthropic Startup ProgramUp to $100K in additional API credits for VC-backed startups, plus up to $45K in partner perksCredits · Anthropic · Global
- OpenAI for StartupsAPI credits via partner VCsCredits · OpenAI · Global
- NVIDIA InceptionFree membership + GPU/cloud credits & discountsAccelerator · NVIDIA · Global
What separates them
- Headline value is not what most founders get. The largest tier usually needs a referral from a partner VC or accelerator.
- Stage caps. AWS Activate is for companies before Series B; DigitalOcean Hatch is for Series A or earlier with under $5M raised.
- New customers only. Several programs give credits once, and some only to companies new to the provider.
- Duration. Trials run one to three months; startup programs a year or more. Plan your first year's spend against the expiry date.
- Apply to more than one. They are independent, so a startup can stack a cloud program, an AI program and a payments or tools program.
More
- Full guide: Free cloud credits for startups
- AI-specific: AI startup credits
- India: Startup credits in India
- Search everything: /programs
Common questions
Which cloud gives startups the most credits?
Headline values are similar at the top tier, and the biggest amounts usually require a partner investor or accelerator referral. Compare the listed values and conditions above, then apply to every program you qualify for.
Can I use more than one startup program?
Yes. The programs are independent, though some are limited to companies that have not had the same provider's credits before.
Values are “up to” amounts and terms change: confirm on the provider’s page before you rely on them.