how to get the referral code?

Question

We are currently applying for Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub. However, because we already have an existing Azure account, the portal is requiring us to use the “Redeem your investor referral code” option in order to continue with the application.

We would like assistance understanding how we can obtain a valid investor or partner referral code, or whether there is an alternative process available for startups with existing Azure accounts.

Could you also please advise us on:

• How we can contact participating investors, accelerators, or partners in the Microsoft Investor Network
• Whether Microsoft can connect us with any eligible partners
• What steps we should follow if we do not currently have an investor referral code

Answer 1

A referral code is only available if the startup is already affiliated with an investor (VC, accelerator, incubator, university, or angel) that is part of the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network.

1. How to get an investor referral code

• Referral codes are provided directly by the affiliated investor, accelerator, incubator, or university.
• Contact the main point of contact at that organization (for example, program manager or investment lead) and request the Microsoft for Startups referral code associated with their participation in the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network.
• Microsoft does not publicly share the list of participating investors; only the investor/partner can give the code.

2. How to contact participating investors, accelerators, or partners

• There is no public directory of the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network.
• The only supported way to obtain a code is through an existing relationship with an investor/accelerator/university that is already in the network.
• If there is no such relationship today, a Microsoft channel cannot introduce or connect to participating investors for the purpose of obtaining a referral code.

3. What to do if there is no investor referral code

• The investor offer is only for startups that already meet the eligibility criteria, including affiliation with an Investor Network member and possession of that investor’s referral code.
• If there is no qualifying investor relationship, use the path that is open to all startups instead: the Azure startup credit offer, which provides up to $5,000 USD in Azure credits (initial $1,000 plus additional credits after business verification) for startups new to Azure. Details are in the Azure startup credit offer documentation.
• Later, if funding is received from an investor that is part of the Microsoft for Startups Investor Network, request their referral code and then apply for the investor offer at https://startups.microsoft.com/ using “Get started now” and entering that code.

4. Existing Azure account and application flow

• Having an existing Azure account does not itself generate or replace the need for an investor referral code.
• To proceed with the Microsoft for Startups investor offer path, a valid referral code from an eligible investor is mandatory.
• Without that code, follow the open-to-all startup path (Azure startup credit offer) rather than the investor-offer application flow.

Summary of required steps:

1. If already backed by a VC/accelerator/incubator/university, contact them and request their Microsoft for Startups referral code.
2. If not backed by an Investor Network member, use the Azure startup credit offer path instead of the investor referral path.
3. If circumstances change (for example, new funding from an eligible investor), then apply for the investor offer using the code provided by that investor.

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References:

• What is Microsoft for Startups?
• Applying for the Microsoft for Startups Investor Offer