Azure vouchers for Microsoft for Startups program — how to access?

Question

Hello,

We are a startup, Smartovate LTD, currently enrolled in the Microsoft for Startups Founders program. We are building our project Subul, and we would like to request Azure vouchers/credits to support:

Development environments on Azure

Team training and certifications

Scaling our cloud-based solutions efficiently

We would appreciate guidance on the eligibility requirements, request process, and timeline for receiving Azure vouchers for founders under the program.

Thank you for your support and guidance.

Warm regards, Dr. Abdelkhalek Bakkari CEO, Smartovate LTD

---

Answer 1

Thank you, Suchitra, for your detailed answer.

However, my startup Smartovate LTD is already enrolled in the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and not applying through an investor referral.

My original question was specifically about requesting Azure exam vouchers or training-related benefits for our team under the existing Founders Hub program — not about eligibility for the investor offer.

How could we access Azure exam vouchers as part of the Founders Hub benefits, or is there a specific process to request them?

Thank you again for your help and time.

Best regards, Dr. Abdelkhalek Bakkari

Answer 2

Hello Abdelkhalek Bakkari

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Q&A portal.

To be eligible for the Microsoft for Startups investor offer as startup must meet the following criteria:

Startup must be affiliated with an investor who is a part of the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network.

Please note that we cannot publicly share the list of participating investors. To obtain a referral code, you'll need to contact your investor (accelerator or VC) directly.

Startup is engaged in the development of a software-based product or service that is a core part of their current or intended business. The software must be owned and not licensed from another party.

Startup has received fewer than $350,000 in lifetime free Azure credits.

Startup is headquartered in a country where Azure services are available.

Startup hasn't raised Series C funding.

Startup is privately held.

Startup is a for-profit business.

Startup isn't an educational institution, government organization, personal blog, development shop, consultancy, agency, or involved in bitcoin or crypto mining.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/application

• Initial Credits: $1,000 in Azure credits upon joining Founders Hub (valid for 90 days).
• After Verification: Up to $5,000 in credits (valid for 180 days).

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/signups/overview#step-1-redeem-1000-in-azure-credits

Once a startup receives their referral code from their investor, they should visit startups.microsoft.com, click "Get started now," and enter the code to begin the application process.

Once their application is submitted, it's reviewed within three business days. They receive a decision via the email address used during the application process.

Once approved for the Microsoft for Startups investor offer, the startup gains access to the Microsoft for Startups Portal—an all-in-one dashboard that enables them to:

• Update company profile information and add team members
• Find, activate, and manage benefits
• Request Azure technical guidance
• Submit a program support request

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and Azure Startup programs do not include free Azure certification exam vouchers as a standard benefit.

The Founders Hub benefits focus on Azure credits, technical guidance, and software tools (GitHub Enterprise, Visual Studio Enterprise, Microsoft 365 Business Premium), not certification vouchers. Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-for-startups/benefits

For training, you get access to Microsoft Learn (free self-paced courses) and sometimes discounted exam offers through Microsoft Learn deals or special events.

If you need vouchers, you can Check current discounts on below shared link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/certifications/deals and if you need any support related to Azure certification please raise support ticket on your query. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/credentials/support/help#how-to-submit-a-support-request

Thanks,

Suchitra.