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How to Apply to Microsoft for Startups

Overview

Microsoft for Startups is a program built to help early-stage startups build, launch, and scale on Azure. This guide walks you through how to apply, including:

  • Eligibility criteria for the program
  • What you need before you start your application
  • How to apply with or without an investor referral code
  • What happens after you submit your application

Eligibility Criteria

Microsoft for Startups is designed for early-stage, B2B startups that meet the following criteria:

  • Stage: Pre-seed through Series C funding
  • Business model: B2B startups building software, AI, or technology solutions
  • Product readiness: Working toward or already at MVP, with the goal of moving toward product-market fit
  • Privately held: Independent companies (not subsidiaries of larger organizations)
  • Compliance: Headquartered in a region where Microsoft for Startups operates

Tip

If you're working with an investor, accelerator, or venture capitalist (VC) in Microsoft's Investor Network, you might be eligible for higher-tier benefits, including up to $150,000 in Azure credits. Ask your investor for a 10-character referral code before you apply.

Before You Apply

To make the application process as smooth as possible, gather the following information before you begin:

  • Valid personal Microsoft account with no prior Azure account

  • Phone number

  • Time zone (Microsoft uses your time zone to connect you with support in your region)

  • Registered startup name (must match your legal documents) 

  • Primary industry your startup serves 

  • Website (if available) 

  • Address information

  • Payment information

Optional

  • Investor referral code (10 characters, provided by your investor, accelerator, or VC if they are in Microsoft's Investor Network)

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft for Startups Page

Navigate to the Microsoft for Startups landing page. From here, click "Get started now" to begin the application process.

Microsoft for Startups landing page with the Get started now CTA.

Step 2: Sign In with Your Microsoft Account

You're redirected to the Microsoft sign-in page. Enter a personal consumer email address associated with a Microsoft account and follow the prompts to sign in. If you don't have a Microsoft account associated with the desired email, select Create an account to set one up.

Warning

Use a personal consumer email address for the sign-up steps. Work, school, and company-domain email accounts aren't accepted (for example, connie@contoso.com).

Microsoft Sign in page to continue to Microsoft Azure.

Step 3: Investor referral code (optional)

On Apply for Microsoft for Startups, you're asked if you have an investor referral code.

Apply for Microsoft for Startups: Investor referral code field with Next and Continue without a code options.

Note

Microsoft does not publicly share the list of participating investors. To request an investor referral code, contact your accelerator or VC directly.

Applying With an Investor Referral Code

If you have a 10-character investor referral code, follow the steps below. After completing this path, you will continue to the Azure account creation steps shared by both paths.

Step 1: Enter Your Personal Information

After entering your investor code and clicking "Next," you will be prompted to enter your preferred contact email, phone number, and time zone. This information is used to send updates about your application and connect you with regional support.

Personal information form: contact email, phone, and time zone.

Step 2: Verify Your Contact Email

Select Send code on the Verify your contact email modal. The system sends a verification code to your email address.

Verify your contact email modal with the Send code button.

Check your email for the verification code, enter it in the Verification code field, and select Verify. The code expires in 10 minutes. If you don't see the email, check your spam folder or select resend code.

Enter your verification code modal for email verification.

Step 3: Verify Your Phone Number

Next, verify your phone number. Select Send code on the Verify your phone number modal. The system sends a verification code through a text message.

Verify your phone number modal with the Send code button.

Enter the verification code from your text message and click "Verify". If you do not receive the code, click "Resend code" to try again.

Enter your verification code modal for phone verification.

Step 4: Enter Your Business Information

After verifying your contact information, complete the Business information form. Provide the following information:

  • Registered startup name (must match your legal documents)
  • Primary industry your startup serves
  • Website (if available)
  • Registered business address

Once complete, click "Submit".

Business information form with registered name, industry, website, and address fields.

Step 5: Application Submitted

After submitting your application, you see an Application submitted confirmation page. Microsoft reviews your application and responds within three business days. Before you can begin building, you need to set up your Azure account.

Click "Continue to Azure sign up" to proceed.

Application submitted: Next, set up your Azure account with the Continue to Azure sign up button.

Important

Both the investor code and no-code paths require setting up an Azure account before you can begin building. Continue to the Setting Up Your Azure Account section.

Applying without an investor referral code

If you do not have an investor referral code, you can still apply by clicking "Continue without a code" on the application page. After completing this path, you will continue to the Azure account creation steps shared by both paths.

Step 1: Land on the Build Your Startup Preview

After clicking Continue without a code, you land on a preview of the Build your startup dashboard. In the top-right corner, you see the Unlock $1,000 in Azure credits prompt. Select Sign up to start creating your Azure account.

Build your startup preview dashboard with the Unlock $1,000 in Azure credits Sign up prompt.

Note

Without an investor code, you go directly to Azure account creation rather than completing the longer application form. You receive a set amount of Startup credits to begin building.

Setting Up Your Azure Account

Both application paths converge here. Whether you applied with or without an investor code, you must complete a 3-step Azure account creation process to receive your $1,000 in starter credits.

Step 1: Profile information

Enter your profile information, including:

  • Country/region (must match your billing address)
  • First and last name
  • Email address for important notifications
  • Phone number

Complete the "Let's prove you're human" verification, then click "Next".

Step 1 of 3: Create your Azure account Profile information.

Note

You can't change your country or region selection later. If your country isn't listed, the offer isn't available in your region.

Step 2: Address information

Enter your billing address, and then review and accept the consent checkboxes:

  • Confirm you are the individual identified on this account and agree to the Microsoft Customer Agreement and Supplemental Individual User Terms
  • (Optional) Opt in to receive product news, tips, and offers
  • (Optional) Allow Microsoft to share your information with select partners

Click "Next" to continue.

Step 2 of 3: Address information and consent checkboxes.

Step 3: Payment information

Enter your payment information, including:

  • Cardholder name
  • Card number
  • Expiration month and year
  • CVV
  • Billing address

Click "Save" to complete account setup.

Step 3 of 3: Payment information.

Note

Your Azure Sponsorship subscription automatically converts to pay-as-you-go once your Azure credits are fully used or expired, whichever comes first. You pay only for what you use. There's no upfront commitment, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Step 4: Land on your Build Your Startup dashboard

When you create your account, you land on the startup dashboard. You see a confirmation tip in the top-right corner: "You've unlocked $1,000 in Azure credits." Your credits are immediately available, and you can begin deploying resources right away.

Build your startup dashboard with $1,000 in Azure credits unlocked confirmation.

Note

It can take up to 24 hours for your credit balance to fully update after account creation. When your application is approved (typically within 3 business days), you receive expanded program credits and benefits.

What Happens Next

After completing your application and Azure account setup, here is what to expect:

  • Application review: Microsoft reviews your application within three business days. You receive an email notification when a decision is made.
  • Begin building immediately: Use your $1,000 in starter credits to deploy resources, test ideas, and explore the Azure platform.
  • After approval: Approved startups unlock expanded credits (up to $150,000) and the full Microsoft for Startups benefits package, including program support, tools, and exclusive offerings.
  • Add team members: Invite your co-founders and teammates to collaborate on your Azure subscription. See the "How to Add a Team Member" guide for details.
  • Explore the portals: Use the Azure Portal Guide and Microsoft for Startups Portal Guide to learn how to manage your account, credits, and team.

Need Help?

If you have questions or run into issues during the application process, the following resources can help:

  • For application questions: Visit aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal for program-specific support.
  • For investor referral codes: Contact your accelerator or VC directly. Microsoft does not publicly share the list of participating investors.
  • For Azure account or technical issues: Submit a support request through the Azure Portal once your account is set up.

For more help, visit aka.ms/startuphelp-mfs-portal.

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