Request for additional Azure credits / extension (Startup program)

Question

Hello team,

We’re currently on Azure through the Microsoft startup program and have received $25,000 in Azure credits. We’ve been actively using the credits for [workloads: e.g., App Service/AKS/Functions/AI/Search/SQL], and we’re forecasting that we’ll exhaust the remaining balance by 1st April 2026.

In the next [60/90] days, we plan to scale [key workloads] to support [traction: users, pilots, customers], and our estimated Azure consumption is [$1500/month].

We’d like to request either

1. Additional Azure credits or
2. An extension of the current credits,

based on our active usage and growth plan.

I can share: current usage breakdown, architecture, and a 90-day spend/scale plan. What’s the best process to apply for the next tranche / extension?

You can review our progress and application which we developed on URL removed by Moderator. Do not replace

Please feel free to reach me at [mod PII: redacted].com or via phone number : [mod PII: redacted]

Thanks,

Pratik Khanapurkar ,

CTO

Founders Hub ID : [mod: PII redacted]@gmail.com

Answer 1

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A

Hello Pratik Khanapurkar,

Congratulations on the progress. Regarding your request for the next tranche of credits, it is important to clarify how the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub program manages these transitions.

1. "Extensions" vs. "Leveling Up"

• Extensions: Microsoft generally does not grant time extensions for existing credits. If your $25,000 credits expire in April, they cannot usually be extended.

Leveling Up: The standard path is to upgrade to Level 4 (Scale), which unlocks $150,000 in Azure credits. This is what you should be aiming for.

1. Log in to the Founders Hub Portal.
2. Navigate to the Home or Benefits tab.
3. Look for the "Request Upgrade" or "Level Up" button.
   • If Active: Click it to submit your request instantly.
   • If Locked/Grey: Hover over the lock icon. It will tell you exactly what is missing (e.g., "Engagement Score too low" or "Need to consume more credits").

2. The Upgrade Process (Automated vs. Manual) You cannot apply for this via a forum post or a general support email. The process is triggered directly inside the Founders Hub Portal.

Eligibility Logic: The system uses an automated Engagement Score to determine if you are ready for the $150k tier.

Key Metrics Required:

• Credit Utilization: You typically must have consumed at least 50% of your current $25k allocation (i.e., ~$12.5k burned).
• Architecture/Engagement: The system analyzes your Azure usage complexity. Using a mix of services (which you mentioned: AKS, AI, SQL) improves your score significantly compared to just using simple VMs.
• Profile Completeness: Ensure your company profile, LinkedIn, and website are up to date in the portal.

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