Hello Microsoft for Startups

Question

I am the founder of Sentinel AI and I am currently enrolled in Microsoft for Startups / Founders Hub.

I submitted my startup verification request seven business days ago. However, my Founders Hub portal still shows:

“Startup verification – We were unable to verify your startup. We’ll move you to a pay-as-you-go subscription when your remaining Azure credits run out or expire.”

I have not received a rejection, a request for additional documentation, or any other decision regarding the verification.

Sentinel AI is an AI startup currently developing Sentinel Career, an AI-powered career and employment platform. We are actively using Azure infrastructure for the project and are currently approaching the product launch/testing stage.

I would like to confirm whether my startup verification is still under review and whether any additional information or documentation is required from me.

I would also appreciate clarification regarding the status of my Azure startup credits while this verification is pending.

Startup: Sentinel AI Product: Sentinel Career Portal: Microsoft for Startups / Founders Hub

I can provide company, identity, product, or project documentation if required.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards, [Seu nome] Founder, Sentinel AI

Answer 1

Verification typically takes up to seven business days. If the portal still shows “We were unable to verify your startup” after that period and no rejection or document request has been sent, the supported next step is to submit a support ticket through the Microsoft for Startups experience.

What is supported from the available guidance:

1. Verification can take about seven business days.
2. If startup information was changed such as company name or address, that can trigger a new verification process.
3. Verification documents should match the startup profile exactly, especially the business name and address.
4. While verification is unresolved, Azure credits can be affected, and the portal message indicates the subscription can move to pay-as-you-go when remaining credits expire or are exhausted.

Recommended actions:

1. Check profile accuracy
   • Confirm the startup name, address, email, and domain information in the portal exactly match the submitted business documents.
   • If any profile fields were recently updated, account for the possibility that verification restarted.
2. Open a Microsoft for Startups support request
   • If joined prior to May 29, 2026: sign in to the Microsoft for Startups Portal, select the ? icon in the top-right corner, then select Submit a Support Ticket.
   • If joined after May 29, 2026: use the Azure Portal program experience, where support requests can be submitted for startup program issues.
   • Attach screenshots of the verification status and any supporting business or domain documents.
3. Include the key details in the ticket
   • Date the verification request was submitted
   • Current portal message
   • Confirmation that no rejection or request for more documents was received
   • Startup and product details
   • Request for confirmation whether verification is still under review and whether more documentation is needed
4. Prepare supporting documents
   • Business registration records
   • Domain ownership or purchase records, if domain verification is involved
   • Any documents showing the same startup name and address as the portal profile

On Azure credits status:

• The available guidance confirms that verification is tied to eligibility for startup benefits and Azure credits.
• The portal warning means that if verification is not completed successfully, the subscription may convert to pay-as-you-go once current credits run out or expire.
• For a definitive status on whether credits remain active while the review is pending, the correct path is the Microsoft for Startups support ticket.

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References:

• Microsoft for Startups Program Support
• Microsoft for Startups Portal
• Microsoft for Startups Program Page within the Azure Portal
• We couldn’t verify your startup - Microsoft Q&A How do I go about to get my startup reverified