Startups: Companies that are in their initial stages of business and typically developing a business model and seeking financing.
Hello @Tapas Das you don’t need an investor to access Microsoft for Startups/Founders Hub benefits. An investor referral code is only required if you’re applying through the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network path (which can unlock higher-tier benefits). [portal.sta...rosoft.com]
For Azure credits:
- Activate credits within 90 days of accepting the program agreement; otherwise the offer can expire and you may need to reapply. [learn.microsoft.com]
- After activation, credit duration is time-bound and extensions aren’t available. [learn.microsoft.com]
- To get more credits / more time, complete the verification checklist in Founders Hub. If your offer is $5,000 or less, you can submit a request in the portal; if your offer is $25,000+, your account is typically reviewed ~45 days before expiry and may be extended automatically if approved.
- If you later receive an Investor Network referral code, you may be able to submit it via support to see if you qualify for higher-tier benefits.
References:
- Azure Credits & Billing FAQs: activation window, duration, no extensions [learn.microsoft.com]
- Microsoft for Startups portal (investor code path vs non-investor path) [portal.sta...rosoft.com]
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